Library by Mail
Our Library by Mail service provides library materials to residents of Tompkins County who are physically unable to visit the Library. Patrons registered with the Library by Mail service may receive up to seven (7) items at a time delivered by the US Postal Service to their residence.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is eligible for this program?
To be eligible for Library by Mail, you must meet all three of the following criteria:
- Live within the boundaries of Tompkins County
- Possess or be willing to sign up for a Tompkins County Public Library card or a library card from another library in Tompkins County
- Unable to get to the library
Typical qualifiers may include those:
- Temporarily or permanently homebound and/or in a convalescent home
- Concerned and/or at risk due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
- Experiencing difficulty getting to the library due to a disability or mobility issues
How do I sign up?
Complete the online form, email LBM@tcpl.org or call 607-272-4557.
How do I request materials?
Books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, and magazines can be requested by placing a hold through our online catalog or by calling 607-272-4556. Ask us about our digital library!
How many items can I borrow at a time? How long can I keep the items?
Seven (7) items at a time may be borrowed for three weeks.
What if I'm late returning items? What if items are lost or damaged?
TCPL does not charge fines for late items. TCPL does not charge for lost or damaged items.
Who pays for postage?
We do! Funding for this program has been provided by a generous grant from Cornell University.
Do I need a Tompkins County Public Library card to participate?
Yes. If you don‘t have one, you can fill out the online card application.
Upcoming Events
Makerspace One-on-One
What do you want to make?
Story + Craft
Story + Craft is our weekly reading + creating event for children! Join us for a read-aloud, followed by art-making or a guided craft. Best for children 5 and up, but younger are welcome with an adult to assist.
Ages 8 to 108 Board Game Club
If you are between the ages of 8 and 108, come join our board game club at TCPL! We meet in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room on Thursdays from 5 to 7pm.
Cancelled
Makerspace Open Hours
This session is cancelled! We apologize for the inconvenience
Drop-in open hours, no registration required. Come for a short tour, or stay and work on a project - we have lots of art supplies and ideas to get you making!
Late Fall Baby & Toddler Storytime
Caregivers and their children are invited to join us for music, rhymes, movement and books. Storytime will be followed by a playtime from 11-12. Come and join the fun while building early literacy skills!
Slow Flow Yoga
This is an all-levels Slow Flow style yoga class, adaptable for people with different levels of fitness (it does involve sitting on a mat and standing up from the floor).
Spanish Storytime
Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome to join us for Spanish storytime - songs, rhymes, stories, and crafts - completely in Spanish!
Family Storytime
Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to celebrate reading and build their early literacy skills at Family Storytime. We meet each Saturday for stories, songs and hands-on fun.