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.

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Upcoming Events

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

Family Storytime

11:00am–11:30am
Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Storytimes
About this event::

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.

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

Sing Me a Story! Read Me a Song! with John Simon & Cal Walker

1:00pm–1:45pm
Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: BorgWarner Full
Age Group: Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids
Program Type: Music
About this event::

Community reading and singing heroes, John Simon and Cal Walker, will be sharing stories that are songs, and songs that are stories in a concert especially for young children and their families at TCPL in the Borg Warner Community Room.&

This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

Minis Painting Party

1:00pm–3:00pm
Adults, Teens
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Makerspace
Registration Required
About this event::

We will distribute pre-made 3D printed minis figures and let patrons paint them, offering advice when applicable. 

This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

Makerspace One-on-One

3:00pm–4:00pm
Adults, Teens
Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Makerspace, One-on-One Appointments
Registration Required
About this event::

What do you want to make?

This event is in the "Kids" group

Sit! Stay! Read!

3:00pm–4:00pm
Kids
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: BorgWarner Full
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Other
About this event::

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!

This event is in the "Teens" group

Teen Maker Monday

4:00pm–6:00pm
Teens
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Makerspace
About this event::

Let's Make Something! 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Cricut, and more...