Walking into any of the 32 libraries and reading centers across Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties, visitors find friendly staff and programs tailored to local communities.
Less visible is the organization making that possible: the Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library System (CEFLS).
Behind the scenes, the nonprofit maintains the region’s shared electronic catalog, manages rotating collections, provides continuing education and technical support for library staff, helps libraries meet state standards, oversees construction aid applications, and coordinates transportation of materials across the three-county region.
“CEFLS employees place the highest value on customer service,” said Executive Director Steve Kenworthy. “In one way we have 32 customers, but in another way we have 180,000 customers—each citizen of the three counties.”
That mission is getting harder as costs outpace funding. Entering 2027, CEFLS projects a $200,000 deficit on its $1.6 million budget.
Conservative financial management has absorbed years of stagnant state funding, but inflation, aging infrastructure, vehicle replacement and rising service demand are straining the system.
CEFLS is tied for the lowest state funding among New York’s library systems due to the region’s small population, yet faces the same expenses as larger systems.
One of CEFLS’s key functions is its delivery network: any library card holder can borrow from any library in the system. “When a patron has a CEFLS library card, they have access to materials throughout the system and beyond,” said Coordinated Outreach Librarian Anja Bouchard.
One of the system’s primary roles is the van delivery service. “When a patron has a CEFLS library card, they have access to materials throughout the system and beyond,” said Anja Bouchard, Coordinated Outreach Librarian for CEFLS.
Those with long memories might remember CEFLS for its bookmobile; that service no longer exists, but the van service makes stops at senior organizations and correctional facilities throughout the region.
“One of our roles is to assemble rotating collections for participating libraries,” Bouchard said. “They can include print materials for adults and youth, DVDs, and audio books. What that really does for member libraries is that it allows them to have fresh materials on their shelves on an ongoing basis, even if their budget can’t support frequent purchases of new materials. This is especially helpful to the smaller libraries in our system.” The rotating collections allow smaller libraries to offer content beyond the ability of their shelves to hold it.
Of course the North Country is a big place. CEFLS drivers typically log over 36,000 miles each year ferrying content to individual libraries, and they transported over 213,800 items in 2024.
Deliveries also include rotating collections—print materials, DVDs and audiobooks — that let smaller libraries keep fresh offerings on their shelves without frequent purchases.
Beyond Books
The cargo extends well beyond books. Libraries increasingly lend fishing poles, Wi-Fi hotspots, musical instruments, sewing machines, baking pans, VR headsets and games through a “Library of Things.” “I think people often aren’t aware that libraries are offering more than books these days,” Bouchard said.
She started the baking pan collection herself, noting families facing hardship can borrow single-use items rather than buy them.
Technology is central too, especially in a rural region where transportation and internet access are barriers. Through CEFLS, patrons get eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines, Kanopy streaming, Mango language courses, Comics Plus graphic novels, and an expanding fleet of mobile hotspots.
Established in 1954 under the state Education Department, CEFLS is governed by a 15-member volunteer Board of Trustees (five per county) and funded mainly by New York State, supplemented by county contributions and grants for specific programming, including music, art and theater programs and traveling exhibits. Unlike many nonprofits, CEFLS doesn’t solicit donations, to avoid competing with member libraries that rely on community support.
Libraries’ role has evolved beyond information access into community gathering spaces offering educational, cultural and social services—story time, but also adult health, wellness, art and music programs.
Amid rising need related to financial hardship, housing instability and mental health, CEFLS launched a Community Care Project discreetly providing hygiene products and community-resource information.
“Libraries are committed to doing everything they can to support area residents,” Bouchard said. “The local library can offer a safe and welcoming place where someone can spend the day.”
Recognizing librarians are often asked to help beyond their training, CEFLS partnered with SUNY Plattsburgh and the Plattsburgh Public Library on a social work internship, placing a student in the library weekly. Bouchard hopes to expand the pilot to smaller libraries, many staffed by just one person.
Despite its broad responsibilities, CEFLS remains small—just 10 full-time employees wearing multiple hats, like Library Computer Specialist David Fuller, who manages technology infrastructure while troubleshooting across the network.
Even amid these challenges, CEFLS keeps searching for ways to reach people unaware of everything their library offers. “Libraries are trying to be all things to all people,” Bouchard said, “because library staff are deeply committed to their communities and follow an ‘all are welcome’ philosophy.”
That commitment extends far beyond lending books. Behind every neighborhood library is a regional system quietly ensuring materials, technology, expertise and support reach every corner of the North Country — helping libraries remain among their communities’ most trusted institutions.
Read more about libraries in New York State.
Photo of CEFLS substitute driver Todd Roberts, who delivers books and materials to libraries throughout the North Country, provided.
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