TCPL Director Candidate Presentation

Program Type:

Board of Trustees, Other

Age Group:

Adults

About this event:

The Tompkins County Public Library Board of Trustees invites the community to hear from a finalist candidate for Library Director. Following the presentation, those in attendance will be invited to take part in a Question-and-Answer session.

The presentation will also stream on the TCPL YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/0bZzzexByCw?feature=share 

The Candidate

Emerson DeMeester-Lane is currently the Deputy Director of Public Services and Customer Experience at Pima County Public Library in Tucson, Ariz. In his current role, DeMeester-Lane oversees the work of 27 library locations that serve a diverse community just 45 minutes from the U.S. – Mexico border. DeMeester-Lane first joined PCPL in 2008, rising from the role of Library Associate to Librarian, Branch Manager and Library Service Manager before taking his current role in 2024. During that time, he co-developed the nationally recognized Library Restorative Practices for Youth program which won the Urban Library Council Innovator Award in 2018. He also co-wrote and managed successful grant applications totaling more than $220,000, coordinated a remodel and major facilities upgrade, expanded mobile programs and established a youth makerspace at a PCPL library branch.

DeMeester-Lane has also served as Board President for the Southern Arizona Gender Alliance and as a Program Director and Youth Mentor at Camp Born This Way in Southern Arizona.

The Presentation

Each candidate has been asked to give a 20-minute presentation on three topics Library stakeholders have identified as priorities, and discuss what practices and strategies they would employ to advance those priorities, and how they would determine their success.

The possible topics:

  • Sustainable and Responsible Stewardship of Resources
  • Resources and Services that Align with Community Interests and Needs
  • Community hub with a Welcoming and Knowledgeable Staff
  • Communicating library priorities and policies
  • Aesthetically Inviting and Safe Space
  • Opportunities to Make Community Connections
Feedback

Following the presentation, those in attendance or watching online can fill out a survey here: https://www.tcpl.org/2025-director-candidate-presentation-survey 

The Library Director Search Committee will use this feedback as part of their decision-making process.