Tompkins County Public Library is seeking individuals with a strong interest in supporting and shaping library services to join its Board of Trustees.

Tompkins County Public Library, founded in 1864 by Ezra Cornell, serves the approximately 104,000 residents of Tompkins County. TCPL is also the Central Library for the Finger Lakes Library System, which serves 33 member libraries in Tompkins, Tioga, Cortland, Seneca and Cayuga Counties.

The 15-member Board of Trustees provides administrative oversight to the Library’s operations, consistent with its mission to meet and celebrate the aspirations of the community and foster opportunities for people of all ages to discover, connect, and create throughout Tompkins County. 

That oversight includes: 

• Appointing and supervising the Library Director
• Promoting the best use of all Library resources
• Reviewing and considering improvements to existing services
• Reviewing and formulating policies
• Approving the Library’s annual budget while providing oversight to expenses

Requirements to be a Library Trustee are detailed in Article III of the Board of Trustees Bylaws. Library Trustee is a volunteer position that serves a 3-year term and is expected to attend monthly Board meetings and Committee meetings. All trustees must be residents of Tompkins County. Nominations require approval of the Board of Trustees as well as the Tompkins County Legislature.

Individuals who are library users, willing to learn about library operations, and are committed to transparent oversight are encouraged to apply, as are minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.

Applicants must complete an Advisory Board Application form to indicate interest in serving on the TCPL Board. The form is available to pick up at Tompkins County Public Library. It can also be downloaded online in an electronic application form (below).

Applications may be dropped off at TCPL or e-mailed to TCPL Administrative Manager Mary McKeon at mmckeon@tcpl.org.