Finger Lakes Library System Information

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.