The 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.)