Syracuse, NY – (July 28, 2025) – The Friends of the Central Library (FOCL) is pleased to welcome Sara C. Tucker as the new Executive Director. Sara succeeds outgoing Executive Director, Kim Schellinger, who led FOCL with dedication and vision for five impactful years.
Sara brings a passion for literature and a strong background in the non-profit world. Sara’s previous experience includes Volunteer Coordinator/Service Insights Coordinator at the Food Bank of Central New York, Executive Assistant and Victims’ Advocate at Vera House, and Program Assistant at Northeast Hawley Development Association. She brings a wealth of experience in community outreach, having served a diverse range of nonprofit organizations throughout her career. Her work has consistently focused on building strong community connections, fostering meaningful partnerships, and amplifying the missions of organizations dedicated to education, the arts, and public service. Sara is a graduate of Syracuse University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English.
“I am excited for this opportunity to champion the mission of FOCL, which supports the Onondaga County Public Library System,” said Sara Tucker, FOCL Executive Director. “FOCL is an organization I am enthusiastic about, and I am excited about this opportunity to grow the organization and its connection to the community. I have a strong commitment to literacy and the other vital resources libraries provide. My experience in program administration, event coordination, and development will allow me to support the mission of FOCL. It will be a privilege to use my skills, enthusiasm, and leadership to connect the community with the FOCL Author Series and the Onondaga County Library System.”
“We are delighted to welcome Sara Tucker as the new Executive Director of FOCL,” said Angela Bernat, FOCL Board President. “Sara’s leadership experience, combined with her deep appreciation for the role libraries play in our communities, makes her uniquely qualified to lead FOCL into its next chapter. We are confident she will build on our solid foundation and help elevate the FOCL Author Series and our mission to new heights.”
The Friends of the Central Library champions Syracuse’s Central Library, the hub of the Onondaga County Public Library system, as a vital community resource. Best known for its Author Series, FOCL hosts the longest-running library-related lecture series in the country, now in its 31st season. To date, the series has hosted over 181 authors in Central New York and raised over $730,000 for the library. For more information, visit https://www.foclsyracuse.org/.
Tickets to the FOCL Author Series can be purchased through the Solvay Bank Box Office at the Oncenter, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Group rates for 10+ are 20% off regular ticket prices. Student tickets are $15 for individual lectures with a valid student ID. For more information on individual tickets, group purchases, or student tickets, contact the Solvay Bank Box Office at (315) 435-2121, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information about the upcoming 2025-2026 season, visit foclsyracuse.org.
###