The Tompkins County Public Library Board of Trustees has appointed Kat Savage as the library’s Interim Director. The appointment was approved in Executive Session during a special board meeting. Savage started her new role on October 13.
Savage has led TCPL’s Youth Services Department for the past two years and chaired the library’s Summer Reading Committee, which has seen record participation under her leadership. This year’s Summer Reading program drew more than 10,000 participants — the highest number since before the pandemic.
Before joining TCPL in 2023, Savage spent eight years with the Brooklyn Public Library, where she became the first branch manager of the newly opened Adams Street Library, the system’s first new branch in more than 30 years. She also served as an assistant branch manager and children’s librarian.
Savage holds a Master of Library and Information Science from Pratt Institute in New York City and is active in several professional organizations, including the American Library Association and the New York Library Association’s Leadership and Management Section Board.
“My focus will be on supporting the amazing staff and, in turn, their tireless work in supporting our community,” Savage said. “I also look forward to working with the Finger Lakes Library System to ensure access to books and digital materials across all 33 member libraries.”
Savage will serve as interim director for up to three months, as required by Civil Service regulations, while the Library Director Search Committee continues its search for a permanent successor.
The Board of Trustees also expressed its gratitude to Susan Currie, who has served as Interim Director since April. During her tenure, Currie oversaw the reopening of the Howard P. Harnett Circulation Desk, restored the volunteer program — now called Program Partners — and successfully advocated for funding to expand the library’s collection.
“The Board would like to express sincere gratitude to Susan Currie for her willingness to step in, address community concerns, and restore valued service,” the Board said in a statement.
Currie, who has led TCPL three times since 2009, called the position her “dream job.” She praised the staff for its dedication and commended Savage for her leadership and readiness to take on the interim role.
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