Tompkins County central library reports growth in programs, staffing shortfalls and director search

Susan Curry, who has been working at the Tompkins County public library on a temporary appointment, told the Government Operations Committee on Aug. 7 that the library has increased programming, digital reach and community partnerships while operating with fewer full‑time staff than before the pandemic.

Curry said the library is the central library for 33 libraries across five counties and has been reengaging with the Finger Lakes Library System, holding three training sessions on collection development and restoring routine procedures required of a central library. She said the library’s reference staffing covers late hours and that youth services attendance remains “heavily, heavily attended.”

Library value, programming and partnerships

Curry described new and expanded adult programming, large attendance at a public reading of the U.S. Constitution,…