Did you know that a library is like a garden? We even call part of our collection maintenance practice “weeding.” Library staff constantly tend the collection to make sure that our weeds and yellowing leaves are pulled, so that the soil remains fresh, and the harvest is beautiful and bountiful. Weeding saves valuable space, staff time, and ensures that staff keep up with collection needs. The public library’s mission is to fight misinformation and connect users with relevant resources – we must review materials frequently and routinely to make sure information isn’t wrong or outdated. Even children’s books should be consistently reviewed for accuracy – the world around us is constantly changing, as are the perspectives and lenses used for writing and reviewing literature. As Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop explains, “When there are enough books available that can act as both mirrors and windows for all our children, they will see we can celebrate both our differences and our similarities.” 

TCPL’s Collection Development Plan outlines the criteria we use to develop our collections (both adding and removing materials): 

• Appeal to community needs and interests 

• Support or enhance library collections, programs, and services 

• Literary and artistic merit 

• Authority, accuracy, clarity, and integrity of content 

• Author / publisher reputation and significance to a wide audience 

• Persistent and/or timely value 

• Suitable and generally accessible format for library and/or home use 

• Quality and suitability of the physical format and medium 

• Cost proportionate to expected use and ability to collect on item loss 

• Availability from member libraries in the Finger Lakes Library System 

Many communities are still rebalancing after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public libraries are still adjusting, too, including TCPL. Many factors have contributed to our current need to perform a more thorough weed than usual: 

• Closures and physical distancing during COVID peaks mean that there are things on our shelves that are long overdue to be weeded 

• A long library director’s search that left operations in limbo while awaiting clarity of vision from the incoming director 

• Increased demand for digital collections, which expand equity and accessibility. These include ebooks, audiobooks, and streaming and don’t require a physical visit to the library 

• A balanced approach to operations across collections, customer service, and programming 

• A radio frequency identification (RFID) project that was started in early 2022 and will begin implementation this fall. The RFID system will enable easier and expanded materials checkout and inventory. The RFID project requires manual tagging of the entire collection and a thorough weed is an essential part of a successful project! 

You may notice some things shifting physically on the shelves while we right-balance. Don’t worry, this is normal library practice! We are working behind the scenes to make sure our shelves are enticing, browsable, and full of things our community needs and wants to read. The life cycle of a book has its own phases: we use things until the end of their life, we pass what we can to the Friends of the Tompkins County Library, we replace when needed, and sometimes we recycle. The Friends and Foundation give us funding to buy more materials, and the beautiful cycle continues. TCPL is sustainability at its finest: through books, ideas are shared, and well-worn books reveal their impact on many lives. All for free with your library card! 

And don’t forget – if you don’t see something on our shelves, that may not mean that we don’t own it. Circulation continues to increase after our COVID closure, and weeding increases circulation. We are part of the Finger Lakes Library System and our materials travel back and forth between our 32 other member libraries. The item you’re looking for may be checked out to another patron, be in transit on its way to someone, may be on reorder, or may be a part of our digital collection. We invite you to speak with a staff member if you’re unsure about an item you’re looking for. 

TCPL is honored and energized by our community’s love for their Library. Everything we do is for you and with you in mind! Here are some ways you can continue to show your support for TCPL and public libraries: 

Use Is Good. Use your library card in-person and online. 

Spread the Word. Tell others how to get a free library card! (Don’t forget your photo ID and proof of address.) 

Donate to and shop the Friends Booksale. Donations are accepted through April 16, for the Spring Sale in May! 

Donate to the TCPL Foundation. The Foundation exists to raise funds for the Library. Donate to the general fund to support new library materials!