It is with a heavy heart that I share with you today the news that I am moving on from my position as Library Director at Cortland Free Library. There is so much more I had hoped to do, but at the end of the day, this is an act of self care, which Audre Lorde reminds us is not a matter of self indulgence but rather one of self preservation. I am leaving for the sake of my mental health, to maintain my sobriety, and to prioritize my overall well-being.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be working to document as much as I can for my successor, and I’ll provide input to the board on next steps as they seek an interim and permanent replacement.

I’m proud of all I’ve achieved since starting this position in January 2020, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and its myriad policy fluctuations and unprecedented closures; lowering barriers to access by eliminating overdue fines, ending CFL’s use of a collection agency, and allowing people to obtain limited-access library cards; recommending and implementing a new phone system, a new time management system, and a new e-newsletter platform; launching the Community Reads program; launching our digitization project; designing and launching an updated website; allocating time during the year for staff development; and applying for and receiving various grants, including $10,000 from the American Library Association and $600,000 in construction aid from New York State.

If you’re reading this, you likely already know that public libraries are America’s most (small-d) democratic institutions. We are open to everyone. We are a reflection of our community, its values and its needs. As we find ourselves in the midst of a crisis of need, we have seen an increase in people forced to live their private lives in public, and we have experienced the challenges that brings from all angles.

I’ve done my best during my time here to address needs our community has related to poverty and homelessness: when I saw an increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness, I made it a priority to figure out who our service providers are, where people can go for help, what’s available when, etc., so that we can better provide that information to others. When Cortland County Mutual Aid was looking for an indoors winter location for their Really Free Market, I offered to host them at the library; this season is our fourth. I also sought and provided “Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness” training for library staff through Niche Academy. I continue to work to educate others while attempting to maintain a welcoming environment at the library. This has proven challenging and more support is needed, including additional library staff to better monitor activity in the building.

I’m grateful to our current library staff more than words can say. Theresa, Tammy, Aimee, Will, Kurt, Kristen, Tim, and Robert: thank you for showing up, for your authenticity and courage, your care and compassion, your patience, your sense of justice, your questions, your callouts, your sense of humor, your generosity, and your vulnerability. I’m truly honored to have worked alongside each and every one of you.

Thank you also to our volunteers, our Friends of the Library, our Board of Trustees, and our patrons.

I’m confident that with the support and guidance of the Finger Lakes Library System, our Board can find a director who will continue to move Cortland Free Library forward in accordance with community needs and New York Library Association and American Library Association values and guidelines.

Thank you, as always, for reading, and as Brenè Brown says: stay awkward, brave, and kind. 💜✊🌈

A Note from the Board of Trustees

The board will promptly seek an interim solution so as to be thoughtful about conducting a search for new leadership. We ask for your patience, understanding, and forbearance, and for your support of our excellent library staff at this difficult time.

Any specific questions can and should be directed to Library Board President, Lauren Mossotti-Kline: boardpresident@cortlandfreelibrary.org.