Two CFL volunteers recognized for 20 years of service!

John Hoeschele News, Uncategorized , , , , , , ,
Georgette Ogle, CFL Volunteer
Nancy Snedeker, CFL Volunteer

The Cortland Free Library is honored to recognize our two longest-serving volunteers ― Georgette Ogle and Nancy Snedeker ― each of whom has afforded our institution their valuable time, talents, and passion for the mission of their local library for 20+ years!

We’re especially excited to note their extraordinary contribution to our community via the CFL also (and not surprisingly!) warranted coverage and celebration in our local news media.

First, here are two excerpts from Paige Kingsley’s article (April 7, 2026) in the Cortland Standard, titled: Library volunteers reminisce on over 20 years of service

  • “Lots of people and hands are involved in making a library run smoothly and effectively for the community: the library director, staff, the board and the volunteers. Everyone is dedicated to their role and there are some volunteers that have been donating their time to Cortland Free Library for over 20 years…  Nancy Snedeker has actually been working in the world of libraries long before she volunteered at Cortland Free Library, having previously worked as the archivist and photographer at Franklin D. Roosevelt Library in Hyde Park. She had never planned to work in libraries until she started a job in the university library at Vassar College. It was from there that she started work in Hyde Park and never looked back.”
  • “For Georgette Ogle’s start in volunteering, she had been asking about volunteer opportunities for years until Kay Zaharis took over as library director and finally gave her the green light. Ogle didn’t have prior library experience like Snedeker, but she shares a similar passion and was able to take a class at Cornell University on book repair. That’s how she became Cortland Free Library’s go-to repairwoman… Ogle’s corner of the library is tucked away on the basement floor where she can spread out her materials and repair a few books at a time, but she’ll surface every now and then to collect some damaged books and replace them with the ones she’s made good-as-new.”

You can read the rest of the article here!

Second, their stories were captured today in a charming interview with X101’s Matt Brooks (WXHC, Homer). We hope you’ll give a listen and visit the station’s website here!

Thank you so very, very much Nancy and Georgette for your tireless efforts, kindness, teamwork, and volunteerism over the years. You’ve literally and figuratively helped make the Cortland Free Library the special place and invaluable community asset that it is!

 

Friends of Cortland Free Library to be Revitalized

John Hoeschele News , , , , ,

The Cortland Free Library (CFL) has always been more than a building. It’s a place of discovery, connection, learning, and community.

Now, we’re inviting you to help shape the CFL’s future ― as we reconstitute and revitalize our independent Friends of the Cortland Free Library organization (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit). More specifically, we’re looking for community members who care deeply about books, literacy, programming, lifelong learning, and the immense value the CFL provides to its chartered service area, which is comprised of Cortland, the Town of Cortlandville, and Town of Virgil.

Learn more.

Help improve our long-range plan: Complete your CFL survey today!

John Hoeschele News , , , , ,
The Cortland Free Library wants to hear from you -- via our online survey -- to ensure our long-range plan is well-informed by the residents. Fill out YOUR survey today!
As part of the Cortland Free Library’s long-range planning process, we are conducting a long-range planning survey (aka: community needs assessment).

The goal of this initiative is to solicit input and feedback about the CFL from as many members of our service area as possible, more specifically residents of the City of Cortland, the Town of Cortlandville, and the Town of Virgil.

By participating in this brief survey — which can be found here — you are helping our team align our long-term plan with our community’s priorities and perspectives.

We hope to hear from you, and by all means, please share this link and information with your friends, family members, and colleagues: The more feedback we receive, the better informed our planning process will be!

Elliott Joins Cortland Free Board of Trustees

John Hoeschele News , , ,

Kathleen Elliott, Member of the Cortland Free Library Board of TrusteesThe Cortland Free Library today announced that Kathleen Elliott has joined the organization’s Board of Trustees.

Born in Fayetteville, New York, Elliott has lived in Cortland since 1992 and studied political science at Trinity University in Washington DC, where she also received her masters degree in special education. After teaching in Maryland for a few years, Elliott taught special education for Cortland Enlarged City Schools District until her retirement in June 2024. Her two children, Noah and Julia, are graduates of the Cortland Senior High School.

“We are excited to welcome Kathleen to our team of Trustees, where her deep experience in special education and passion for early childhood literacy – which is so important to a public institution like ours – will prove invaluable,” said Cortland Free Library Board President, Lauren Mossotti-Kline. “We’re also confident her experience with public policy, advocacy, funding non-profit organizations, and her recent hands-on experience with the local outpost of Dolly Parton Imagination Library will bring important contributions, ideas, and insights to our board discussions and initiatives.”

Previously, Elliott was active in Cortland United Teachers as the political action director, where she organized efforts for school board elections, school funding, and improved working conditions. Currently, she serves on the board of Family Planning of South Central New York, where she chairs the education committee. Elliott is also active in Indivisible Cortland County, which works to protect the integrity of the American electoral system, and she is the coordinator of the Cortland County League of Women Voters book club.

In her free time, Elliott looks for open water in which to swim. When that’s not available, she can be found swimming laps at the YMCA, reading, biking, and traveling with her husband.

(Those interested in learning more about Elliott are encouraged to read her Q&A on our Board of Trustees page.)

Cortland Free Library celebrate 100 years!

John Hoeschele Uncategorized

Cortland Free Library celebrates 100 years!Starting with our July 26 Kick-off Event, join us as we commemorate a century of learning, discovery, and community at the heart of Cortland!

For 100 years, the Cortland Free Library has been a cornerstone of our community, a place where minds ignite, imaginations soar, and connections are forged. From the moment our doors first opened, we’ve been dedicated to providing access to knowledge, fostering a love of reading, and empowering individuals of all ages.

Throughout the past century, the Library has evolved alongside our community, adapting to changing times while always remaining true to its mission: to serve as a vital hub for learning, growth, and community engagement. We’ve witnessed countless stories unfold within our walls: children discovering the magic of books, students conducting research, families enjoying shared moments of discovery, and community members finding solace and inspiration.

As we celebrate this momentous milestone, we invite you to join us in commemorating the past, embracing the present, and shaping the future of the Cortland Free Library.

Learn more about how we’ll be celebrating — including our July 26 Kick-Off Event in the Courthouse Park with our partner, Dolly Parton Imagination Library and a special Dance-Themed Pre-School Storytime with Miss Tammy!

 

Cortland Free Library Launches Decodable Books Learning Hub

John Hoeschele Uncategorized , , , , , , ,
CORTLAND FREE LIBRARY LAUNCHES DECODABLE BOOKS LEARNING HUB
Shown here from left to right: Beth Bevars, Tammy Sickmon, and Sara Watrous

Funded by the Rural Health Institute, thanks to an original grant from the John Ben Snow Foundation, the new section offers books, activity kits, and parental aids that foster early literacy.   

Atop the already impressive array of books, children’s programming, and other learning resources offered in its Youth Services department, the Cortland Free Library (CFL) launched a new Decodable Books Learning Hub at a kick-off event on Saturday, June 21. The new hub offers a wide, carefully curated array of books, activity kits, and parental resources to support emergent and struggling readers of all ages.

“Decodable books are like training wheels for learning to read. They provide children with the opportunity to practice using the phonics skills they’ve learned,” said Tammy Sickmon, Youth Services Director at the CFL.  “With thanks to all who collaborated to make today possible, this new hub promises to be a valuable, resource for Cortland’s early readers, homeschoolers, and youth facing barriers to reading such as dyslexia.”

The hub was funded through the Rural Health Institute (RHI), whose mission includes supporting early childhood literacy in Cortland County and who obtained a grant from the John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust (Manlius, NY).

“Our former literacy coordinator was inspired by other hubs in communities in Skaneateles and elsewhere and wrote a grant request to the John Ben Snow foundation to bring this resource to the Cortland community,” said Sara Watrous, Project Director from RHI. “Going forward, our hope is to bring this pilot program to other locations in Cortland County.”

Saturday’s kickoff included an explanation of how decodable books work and a walk-through of the hub’s resources. Sickmon also made a point of acknowledging others from across the state who helped create the hub. Among them and also a presenter at the kickoff was Beth Bevars, who is Program Director for Teach My Kid to Read and the Literacy Hub Director of the Lodi Whittier Library (Lodi, NY).

“Teach My Kid to Read is a national non-profit working to bring hubs like this one to libraries across the country,” said Bevars. As the parent of a child who acquired literacy skills later than usual due to dyslexia, Bevars has personal experience with, and is passionate, about the introduction of decodable reading hubs that were not available for her child. “In Lodi, here in Cortland, and elsewhere, I want to help make available the resources that would have supported my family had they existed.” Notably, and proudly, Bevars indicated her daughter recently graduated from college after, and despite, a late start with literacy.

Attended by approximately two dozen parents, children, CFL trustees, and other stakeholders, the event also included activities, an outdoor decodable story walk, and reading-themed refreshments.

Presenters also promoted a new, online community called “Literacy @ Your Library” that is free to all CFL patrons (instructions for accessing the community are provided on a bookmark available at the hub)  — and spotlighted an upcoming talk centered around the new hub: Entitled “Early Literacy Strategies for Parents and Caregivers,” Dr. Kirra Guard will “explore ways to use the new hub to support your child’s literacy development at home.” (June 26, 6 p.m. for ages 18 and older, registration required).

Report to the Community (2024) now available

John Hoeschele News , , , , , , ,

Cortland Free Library annual report to the community, for calendar year 2024.The Cortland Free Library is happy to announce that 0ur Report to the Community for calendar year 2024 is now available! Each year — as required by NYS Law and because it just makes too much sense! — we share highlights from our programs, services, and collections to show how your library is making a difference. From books borrowed to programs delivered, it’s all here. Read the full report here.

Cortland Free Library budget vote will be May 20, 2025

John Hoeschele News , , , , ,

In conjunction with the Cortland City School District budget vote, the Cortland Free Library budget vote will take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. This is an important opportunity for you to participate in shaping the future of your local library and school district—two pillars of lifelong learning in our community.

Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Polling Locations:

  • Kaufman Center (Cortland School District Office): 1 Valley View Drive, Cortland
  • Cortlandville Municipal Garage: 3587 Terrace Road, Cortlandville
  • Virgil Town Hall: 1176 Church Street, Virgil

As a public institution, Cortland Free Library is legally prohibited from advocating a “YES” vote on our budget. However, we strongly encourage all eligible voters to make their voices heard on this important matter. We believe that the many services, programs, and resources the library offers—free and open to all—speak volumes about our value to the Cortland community.

Whether it’s early literacy programs, computer and internet access, job search resources, book clubs, local history archives, or simply a welcoming space to read and learn, we strive every day to enrich lives and foster connection.

Learn more about our value to the community, funding, and more here.

Voting is civic engagement in action. Thank you for taking part and supporting the institutions that make Cortland stronger!

Magelaner Takes Helm of Cortland Free Library

John Hoeschele News , , , , , ,

Jessica Magelaner - New Director of the Cortland Free LibraryNew Library Director Will Relocate From Turners Falls, MA – Where Her Last Post Was Director of the Orange Public Libraries, Orange, MA

The Cortland Free Library Board of Trustees today announced that it has hired Jessica Magelaner, MLIS of Turners Falls, Massachusetts as its new Library Director. The appointment was made based on a vote taken at the Board’s regular June 26th meeting, following an extensive, two and a half-month nationwide search. Magelaner begins on July 1st and will fill the position held by two interim and locally-known co-directors — Priscilla Berggren-Thomas and Kay Zaharis — after the library’s previous Director exited at the end of March, 2024.

A native of Granville, Ohio, Magelaner brings 14 years of librarianship — including 12 years of supervisory/library management experience — to the post, serving most recently as Director of the Orange Public Libraries, Orange Massachusetts since 2016; there, she also oversaw nearby Wheeler Memorial Library and Moore LeLand Library. Prior to that, Magelaner was Assistant Director/Interim Director of Mason Library in Great Barrington, Massachusetts (2011-2016), a Library Specialist I for Freedom Regional Library in Charlotte, North Carolina (2004-2010), and a Periodicals Assistant at Denison University, Granville, Ohio.

“The search committee was impressed with Jessica’s experience, particularly her attention to community needs, collaboration, outreach, and consensus-building. She’s well versed in creating and implementing special projects, overseeing collections, initiating community outreach, and staying up to date with technology.  We look forward to welcoming her and know that the community will benefit from her experience with a wide array of programming for all ages and constituencies,” said Board President, Lauren Mossotti-Kline. “I’m extremely grateful to the Trustees and staff who were engaged in the extensive search, which included multiple interviews, candidate visits to Cortland, and following up on numerous references.”

For her part, Magelaner looks forward to moving to Cortland, gaining a full appreciation of community dynamics and needs, and building on the Library’s legacy of excellence: “I’m grateful for this opportunity to work with a devoted board and a talented staff here in this beautiful historic building. I look forward to serving as your library director, and though there are many challenges facing libraries today, I’m committed to finding solutions together with the Cortland community,” shared Magelaner.

Highly competent in all areas of library service – including circulation, children’s services, senior services, reference, and all aspects of management — Magelaner earned her Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, NC and her Bachelor of Arts in English, from Salem College, Winston-Salem NC.

Wrapping up the announcement, Mossotti-Kline expressed heartfelt appreciation to Priscilla Berggren-Thomas and Kay Zaharis for their service as interim co-directors – and to the Library’s staff for their steadfastness, patience, and focus during this period of transition.

“We quite literally could not have done this without Priscilla and Kay holding the fort while our Board and personnel committee, in particular, conducted the search that led us to Jessica,” she said. “And the same is true of our exceptionally devoted staff. We are unceasingly grateful.”