Who We Are
The Finger Lakes Library System is a cooperative library system, chartered in 1958 by New York State, to serve the public libraries in Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tioga, and Tompkins Counties. Our member libraries, currently numbering 33, are independent and governed by local Boards of Trustees. One of twenty-three library systems in New York State, we operate under a state-approved plan of service. The System is governed by an eleven member Board of Trustees with two representatives from each of the five counties served, and one at-large member.
Public Library Systems were established in Education Law in the late 1950s by the State Legislature and Governor for the purpose of helping local libraries better serve their communities through cooperation, sharing resources, and by offering cost-effective services. Governance and function are established in the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. Most of the 23 public library systems in New York State are primarily supported by State funding.
| Population served | 311,066 (2020 Census) |
| Land area served | 2,508 square miles |
| Member Libraries | 33 |
| Counties served | Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tioga and Tompkins |
| Central Library | Tompkins County Public Library |
2022 Annual Report to the Community
2021 Annual Report to the Community
2020 Annual Report to the Community
2017 Annual Report to the Community
2016 Annual Report to the Community
2015 Annual Report to the Community
Mission Statement
“To stimulate, coordinate and strengthen library and information services within Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tioga and Tompkins counties.”
Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Accessibility
We encourage and empower I.D.E.A.S. at our system headquarters and 33 member libraries; Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, & Accessible Services. Programs, collections, and services at our system and at our member libraries should reflect the communities that we serve. Our libraries are for everyone. View our full statement HERE.
Hours
Monday – Friday 8:30AM – 4:00PM
Plan of Service
- Finger Lakes Library System Plan of Service 2022-2026
- Finger Lakes Library System Central Library Plan of Service 2022-2026
- Finger Lakes Library System Free Direct Access Plan 2022-2026
- Finger Lakes Library System 2017-2020 Plan of Service
- Finger Lakes Library System Central Library Plan of Service 2017-2021
- Finger Lakes Library System Free Direct Access Plan 2017-2021
- Public Library Construction Policy and Procedures
The Plan of Service files are all in PDF format and under 100KB in file size.
Governing Bodies
Bylaws
- Click here for the BYLAWS
Holiday Closings
Calendar of upcoming events and holidays when the Finger Lakes Library System will be closed.