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
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.
Finger Lakes Toy Library Presents: Learn to Code Through Play
Learn to code through play with the Finger Lakes Toy Library! This program will include an array of coding tools in variable iterations, including Snap Circuits Exploration & Motion Kits, Spintronics Mechanical Circuits, Turing Tumble Ma
Holiday Concert: Ithaca Ukes and Hula Hut Dancers
Holiday Concert: Ithaca Ukes and Hula Hut Dancers
Join the Ithaca Ukes and the Hula Hut Dancers for a holiday concert at the Tompkins County Public Library on Saturday, December 21 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
This event is free and open to the public.
Makerspace One-on-One
What do you want to make?
Makerspace Open Hours
Drop-in open hours are back! Registration is no longer required.
Sit! Stay! Read!
Children are invited to practice their reading skills by sharing a story with a truly non-judgmental listener -- a dog! Reading sessions will be held Mondays from 3-4 p.m. Children who attend 6 sessions will earn a FREE book of their choice!
Meditation and Mindfulness
Join Anna Salamone of FireFly Farm Retreat for a monthly meditation and mindfulness practice.
LEGO Family Build Night
TCPL invites families to a weekly LEGO build night! Buckets of LEGO will be provided for participants to borrow for their builds.