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 "Adults" group

Makerspace Open Hours - AM Session

11:00am–1:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Makerspace
About this event::

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!

This event is in the "Adults" group

Break for Books Online Book Chat

12:00pm–1:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Online
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Online Chat
About this event::

Join us on Wednesdays from noon to 1:00 pm on Facebook for a lively discussion about what we're all reading! 

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 "Adults" group
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Avenue of the Friends
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Community Groups, Other
About this event::

DO YOU HAVE A FEDERAL INCOME TAX PROBLEM? 

Has Your Tax Refund Been Withheld? Do You Owe the IRS Money? Are You Having Problems With the IRS? 

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!