The Tompkins County Public Library Board of Trustees has appointed Emerson DeMeester-Lane to be the next Library Director. The appointment was finalized during Tuesday night’s Board of Trustees meeting, concluding a nationwide search.

DeMeester-Lane, a New York native, comes to TCPL from Pima County Public Library (PCPL) in Tucson, Ariz. where he has served as Deputy Director of Public Services and Customer Experience since 2024. Prior to his current role, DeMeester-Lane rose through the ranks at PCPL starting as a Library Associate in 2008, before taking on the roles of Librarian, Librarian II, Branch Manager, and Library Service Manager.

“The Board believes that Emerson’s years of progressive leadership experience, commitment to thoughtful public service, and vision for the future of our library system will support the ongoing success of the organization and the community we serve,” the Board said in a statement. “In conversations with those who know and have worked with Emerson, his calm and measured approach to problem-solving and conflict resolution was highlighted again and again.”

As Deputy Director of Public Services and Customer Experience, DeMeester-Lane has managed and directed a team of six Library Service Managers and 350 employees across 27 locations. He has also worked to resolve complex customer issues, assisted in renovation and capital improvement projects, collaborated with library staff to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in library service enhancements and strategic planning, as well as liaised with PCPL funding partners and advisory boards.

“I’m honored to be selected as the next Director of Tompkins County Public Library,” DeMeester-Lane said. “Thank you to everyone involved and for the Board of Trustees for putting their support behind me. I’m looking forward to collaborating with the community and staff to move the mission of TCPL forward.”

DeMeester-Lane’s professional experience also includes co-writing and managing grants, expanding and managing mobile library programs such as bookmobiles, establishing a teen makerspace, and creating large community-wide library events. He also co-developed the nationally recognized Library Restorative Practices for Youth program which won the Urban Library Council Innovator Award in 2018, served as Board President for the Southern Arizona Gender Alliance and worked as a Program Director and Youth Mentor at Camp Born This Way in Southern Arizona.

“While I come to this role after nearly 20 years working in public libraries in Arizona, New York is home. I was born in Albany and raised for much of my childhood in a small town called Ravena,” DeMeester-Lane said. “Ithaca has always been a special place to me, and I have fond memories of visiting for family reunions as a kid and swimming under waterfalls for the first time. My wife and I fell in love with Tompkins County when we visited together, and we are both excited to make our home here.”

DeMeester-Lane will take over the role on Monday, January 12, with on-site work beginning January 26 after he completes his cross-country move back to his home state. One of his first orders of business is taking time to listen.

“Because I have so much to learn, it’s important for me to meet with as many community members as possible. Please look out for a schedule of Office Hours with the Director this winter,” DeMeester-Lane said.

Current TCPL Interim Library Director Kat Savage will return to her role as Youth Services Manager once DeMeester-Lane takes over as Library Director.

“The Board of Trustees is appreciative of Kat and her willingness to lead the Library during this transition,” the Board of Trustees said in a statement. “The Board is also grateful to former Library Director Susan Currie for coming out of retirement and stepping down from her role in the Tompkins County Legislature to lead TCPL again in a time of need in the spring and summer of 2025.

“We also would like to thank TCPL’s staff for their perseverance and dedication to serving the community through this transition period. We are also deeply appreciative of the diligent work contributed by all members of the Director Search Committee, and the guidance from the Finger Lakes Library System and Tompkins County Civil Service. Lastly, we are appreciative of all those who applied, including finalist Susie Gutenberger Fitzpatrick who has years of dedicated service as a wonderful advocate for libraries and is a respected and engaged member of the community. We were privileged to have two outstanding finalists for this important role.”

Plans for DeMeester-Lane’s Office Hours with the Director and other community engagement opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.

Emerson's presentation during his Director Candidate's presentation is available on the Tompkins County Public Library YouTube Channel.