Ask a Librarian

Ask a Librarian

Ask a Librarian at TCPL is available for ready-reference questions. We can provide brief answers to questions or suggest further sources to answer your question. For genealogical research questions, please visit our research services page. As with all reference questions, email and online reference questions will remain confidential.

The Information and Learning Services Reference Desk is staffed all the hours the library is open. You may call the Reference Desk during library hours at (607) 272-4556.

Submit your question using the following form:

I am a...
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Kids" group

Code Quest

3:00pm–3:45pm
Kids
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Other
Registration Required
About this event::

This 4-week class will teach the basics of programming through play-based activities. We will use Sphero Indi robots to practice with algorithms, sequencing, and debugging. Join us and discover the joy of computational thinking. (Ages 5-7)

This event is in the "Adults" group

Technology Basics One-on-One

3:00pm–4:00pm
Adults
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Digital Lab, One-on-One Appointments, Technology Class
Registration Required
About this event::

Need help with basic technology topics, such as using email, searching the internet, or borrowing eBooks?  Make an appointment for one-on-one help from a TCPL librarian or partnering technology tutor. 

This event is in the "Families" group
This event is in the "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group
This event is in the "Kids" group

Chinese Bilingual Storytime/中英双语故事会

4:30pm–5:00pm
Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids
Program Type: Storytimes
About this event::

Join us for a special Chinese-English bilingual storytime!

This event is in the "Teens" group

LGBTQ+ Youth Group

4:30pm–5:45pm
Teens
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Community Groups, Other
Registration Required
About this event::

Join us at LGBTQ+ Youth Group to do crafts, play games, and socialize. Whether your lesbian, gay, bi, trans, questioning, or just trying to figure things out - we're here for you!

 

This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: BorgWarner East
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Classes and Workshops, Community Groups, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
About this event::

 Learn to use art to gently shift nervous system states from stress to creativity while fostering self-trust.

This event is in the "Adults" group
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Makerspace
About this event::

Join us for drop-in Open Hours! Registration is not required.