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, livestreamed author events that have generated more than 7,000 YouTube views year‑to‑date, and a popular “cars book club.” She listed community partnerships with GIAC, the County Office for the Aging, Racker, the Ithaca City School District, TC3 Head Start, Kendall Lifelong and others. Curry said the library’s “library of things” lets patrons borrow nonbook items and noted a secure charging locker and expanded makerspace hours.

Staffing, budget pressures and living wage

Curry said the library’s FTE count fell from about 42.61 in 2020 to about 35.6 in 2025 and that several positions would be affected by implementing the county living wage, particularly page and clerk roles. She said the business manager recently accepted a position elsewhere and the library is working through that transition while preparing for a director search and onboarding for a permanent director.

Curry also raised procurement concerns tied to tariffs and said the board and staff are monitoring how price increases could affect purchases of equipment, program supplies and collections.

Public services and community impact

Curry highlighted the library’s role as a cooperative purchasing and community services hub, citing a volunteer income tax preparation program that served 908 people, produced 1,338 returns and resulted in $924,031 in refunds, with an estimated total community impact of $1,157,131. She said the library’s central role covers more than 310,000 people in its five‑county service area.

Facilities and next steps

Curry said facilities staff has a plan for exterior renewal of the library building but that scheduling may slip as facilities staff are pulled to other county priorities. She thanked facilities staff and county electricians by name for assistance on restoring the circulation desk. Curry invited the committee to an ice‑cream event on Aug. 23 and said the board has filled seven trustee seats, with two vacancies remaining and a nominating committee being formed.

Committee response

Committee members acknowledged the library’s programming and tax‑prep work, raised questions about the living wage impact and onboarding for a new director, and asked for a brief summary of county housing and senior parcel figures to inform relocation and service delivery planning. No formal committee action was taken; Curry provided the update during the meeting’s agenda.

Ending

Curry summarized that circulation and program attendance are up, that partnerships and digital services have expanded, and that the board and staff are focused on onboarding a new director and addressing staffing and facility needs.