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Here at TCPL, we always have lots to say about books, film, and more! Here are a few recommendations from our staff:

Welcome to literary happy hour, an event in support of collections at Tompkins County Public Library!

The TCPL Foundation is hosting a SILENT READING PARTY, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, 6 - 9 pm at Argos Warehouse.

Can you believe we have given away 6800 pairs of eclipse glasses for the solar eclipse happening on April 8? We are out of glasses here at TCPL, but fear not! On April 6 & 7 we will have solar eclipse viewer Make & Take kits available. That's right, you can make your own pair of eclipse viewers! They will only be available while supplies last so stop by Saturday, April 6 anytime from 10 am to 4:30 pm, or Sunday between 1 and 4:30 pm, and pick up a kit. 

TCPL is looking for short poems by local poets for Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 18. Guidelines and the submission form can be found at tcpl.org/poetry. If you have any questions, you can email poetry@tcpl.org. 

Tompkins County is hosting two free February workshops to help community members and job applicants better navigate the Civil Service career process. Tompkins County and other municipal governments are seeking candidates in several Civil Service career categories.

2023 Income Tax Forms and Instruction Booklets Available at Tompkins County Public Library

The forms and booklets listed below are now available at TCPL, and are located near the copiers/printers. Additional forms that are not listed can be printed upon request. Please visit the library's Adult Services reference desk for assistance. Our reference desk can also be reached by email - askalibrarian@tcpl.org, or by calling us at 607-272-4556.

Join us for special events throughout February in celebration of Black History Month!

Events

Outta the Muck Screening and Talkback with Director Ira McKinley on February 7

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.

As winter approaches, we know that means more time to read, right? That's why we are offering kids and teens a free book to kick off Winter Reading!

Kids! You can take a free book by our reference desk- review that book, and get entered in our raffle for a chance to win prizes! For each book you review, you will be entered in the raffle. 

If you have been in the library lately, you may have heard our staff mention something about our upcoming RFID project. Well, the project is underway! Our staff has been busy putting RFID tags into books, so that our new RFID readers will be able to read them and get you and your stacks of materials checked out (and in) even faster! But, what is RFID? Why are we doing this? How does it work? What does it mean for you, the patron? 

What is RFID technology? 

Halloween is creeping up on us like a slow walking zombie. Here at TCPL, we have lots of fun in store for ghosts and ghouls of all ages. Pumpkin carving & decorating returns to our creek walk, with pumpkins provided by our friends at Indian Creek Farm. There will be a special Spanish Storytime to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

Here at TCPL, we know our patrons love Science Fiction and Fantasy as much as we do. That's why we decided to give our collection a much needed update. We have added hundreds of titles by the authors you love, and many more by new authors we hope you will try. Stop in and see for yourself! We dare you to boldly go into the stacks where... well, plenty of folks have been to the stacks before, but we promise you will be rewarded.

We will be closed while Tompkins County facilities updates our building’s heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) system, beginning Friday, September 15 and concluding on Monday, October 2. Reopening is planned for Tuesday, October 3.

Remember summer reading programs when you were a kid? Read 10 books and get your own pizza? Or stickers. Or…more books? Well, TCPL’s 2023 Adult Reading Program will take you back to those fun times, all just for doing what you love — READING! Submit reviews, complete a Summer Reading BINGO form, attend summer programs, or heck, do all 3 and each time you will be entered to win one of our amazing raffle prizes. Prizes will be awarded at our end of SRP party! 

Celebrate Pride Month with us at TCPL all through June. We have a variety of events and activities ranging from workshops to film series and storytimes. Discover Book and movie recommendations, too! Happy Pride!