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Our Mission
Our official mission: “The Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library System fosters and enhances public library service to the residents of the System area with economical resource sharing, continuing education, advocacy, access to comprehensive services and by serving as a resource for member libraries and their directors.”

The System accomplishes its mission by support of local libraries and reading centers, by direct service to areas without a library or with populations which cannot easily reach a near-by library, and by service to organizations, groups, and individuals unable to use traditional library services (outreach). It also serves as a link to the global library network and provides leadership and advocacy for library and literacy issues on a regional and state level.

A Little Background
The Clinton Essex Franklin Library System is a non-profit federated library system serving 33 public libraries and reading centers in Clinton, Essex, and Franklin Counties.

The System was the first multi-county system in New York State, established in 1954 by joint resolution of the Boards of Supervisors of Clinton and Essex Counties. Franklin County joined the federation in 1962. The Library System was chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York on June 25, 1954 and is one of 23 public library systems serving the state.

Population served: 173,097 (2010)
Land area served: 4,468 square miles
Central Library: Plattsburgh Public Library

Each year, we ask our member libraries to evaluate our services and our progress toward meeting goals expressed in our 5-year plan of service. Here are the most recent survey results: Member Library Annual Survey Results