The Tompkins County Public Library Board of Trustees has appointed Emerson DeMeester-Lane as the library’s next director, concluding a nationwide search. The appointment was finalized during this week’s Board of Trustees meeting.
DeMeester-Lane, a New York native, joins Tompkins County Public Library from the Pima County Public Library in Tucson, Arizona, where he has served as Deputy Director of Public Services and Customer Experience since 2024. He began his career with Pima County Public Library in 2008 as a Library Associate and advanced through a series of leadership roles, including Librarian, Librarian II, Branch Manager, and Library Service Manager.
In a statement, the Board of Trustees cited DeMeester-Lane’s extensive leadership experience, commitment to public service, and vision for the future of the library system.
“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. “His calm and measured approach to problem-solving and conflict resolution was highlighted again and again.”
As Deputy Director at Pima County Public Library, DeMeester-Lane oversaw public services and customer experience across 27 locations, managing six Library Service Managers and more than 350 employees. His work included addressing complex customer concerns, supporting renovation and capital improvement projects, expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and collaborating with funding partners and advisory boards.
“I’m honored to be selected as the next Director of Tompkins County Public Library,” DeMeester-Lane said. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with the community and staff to move the mission of TCPL forward.”
DeMeester-Lane has also co-written and managed grant programs, expanded mobile library services, established a teen makerspace, and created large-scale community library events. He co-developed the nationally recognized Library Restorative Practices for Youth program, which received the Urban Library Council Innovator Award in 2018. In addition, he has served as Board President for the Southern Arizona Gender Alliance and worked as a program director and youth mentor at Camp Born This Way.
Originally from New York, DeMeester-Lane said returning to the state holds personal significance.
“New York is home,” he said. “I was born in Albany and raised for much of my childhood in Ravena. Ithaca has always been a special place to me, and my wife and I are excited to make Tompkins County our home.”
DeMeester-Lane will assume the role of Library Director on Monday, January 12, with on-site work beginning January 26, following his move back to New York. He said one of his first priorities will be listening to the community and library staff, with plans to hold “Office Hours with the Director” later this winter.
Current Interim Library Director Kat Savage will return to her position as Youth Services Manager once DeMeester-Lane begins his tenure.
The Board of Trustees expressed appreciation to Savage, former Library Director Susan Currie, library staff, and members of the Director Search Committee for their work during the transition. Plans for DeMeester-Lane’s office hours and additional community engagement opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.
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