After a nationwide search, the Tompkins County Public Library has its next leader.
The Library Board of Trustees appointed Emerson DeMeester-Lane as the new library director during its meeting Tuesday night. The decision closes a months-long search for the library’s top job.
DeMeester-Lane comes to Ithaca from the Pima County Public Library in Tucson, Arizona. He has served as deputy director of public services and customer experience there since 2024.
Before that, he spent years moving up through the system. He started as a library associate in 2008 and later worked as a librarian, 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.
The Board also praised his leadership style. Members said people who worked with DeMeester-Lane repeatedly pointed to his calm and measured approach to problem-solving and conflict resolution.
A leader with large-system experience
In his current role, DeMeester-Lane oversees six library service managers and about 350 employees across 27 locations. His work has included handling complex customer issues, supporting renovation and capital projects, and working with staff on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
He has also worked closely with 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.”
He said he looks forward to working with both staff and the community.
“I’m looking forward to collaborating with the community and staff to move the mission of TCPL forward,” he said.
Deep background in community programs
DeMeester-Lane’s career includes grant writing, managing mobile library programs like bookmobiles, and creating large community events. He helped establish a teen makerspace and co-developed the Library Restorative Practices for Youth program.
That program earned the Urban Library Council Innovator Award in 2018.
His experience also includes community leadership outside libraries. He 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.
A return to New York
Although he has spent nearly two decades working in Arizona libraries, DeMeester-Lane said New York has always felt like home.
“I was born in Albany and raised for much of my childhood in a small town called Ravena,” he said. “Ithaca has always been a special place to me.”
He said he has fond memories of family reunions in the area and visiting local waterfalls. He and his wife decided they wanted to make Tompkins County their home.
“When we visited together, we fell in love with Tompkins County,” he said.
Listening comes first
DeMeester-Lane officially takes over as library director on Monday, January 12. He will begin on-site work January 26 after completing his move back to New York.
One of his first priorities is listening.
“Because I have so much to learn, it’s important for me to meet with as many community members as possible,” he said. “Please look out for a schedule of Office Hours with the Director this winter.”
Plans for those office hours and other community engagement opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.
Leadership transition continues
Current interim library director Kat Savage will return to her role as youth services manager once DeMeester-Lane takes over.
The Board thanked Savage for leading the library during the transition. Trustees also expressed appreciation to former library director Susan Currie for returning from retirement to guide TCPL during the spring and summer of 2025.
The Board also thanked staff, the director search committee, the Finger Lakes Library System, and Tompkins County Civil Service. Trustees acknowledged finalist Susie Gutenberger Fitzpatrick for her service and advocacy for libraries.
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