ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — The new year will see a new permanent director seated at the Tompkins County Public Library.

After a nationwide search, the Board of Trustees announced on Tuesday, Dec. 16 that Emerson DeMeester-Lane will take the helm next month.

“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 in a statement. “In conversations with those who know and have worked with Emerson, his calm and measured approach to problem-solving and conflict resolution was highlighted again and again.”

DeMeester-Lane, a native of New York state, is currently deputy director of public services and customer experience at the Pima County Public Library in Tucson, AZ.

“I’m honored to be selected as the next Director of Tompkins County Public Library,” DeMeester-Lane said. “Thank you to everyone involved and for the Board of Trustees for putting their support behind me. I’m looking forward to collaborating with the community and staff to move the mission of TCPL forward.”

Kat Savage, who was appointed interim director in October, will return to her role as youth services manager when DeMeester-Lane begins on Jan. 12, 2026.