Emerson comes to TCPL after nearly 20 years working in the Pima County Public Library system in Tucson, Arizona.
A New York-native, Emerson grew up near Albany and has been a frequent visitor to the Tompkins County area for family gatherings.
"I’m honored to be selected as the next Director of Tompkins County Public Library. Thank you to everyone involved and to 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. 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. 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.
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, and feel free to share with me all the things you love about the library and where you’d like to see us go next."