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
Registration Required
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Offsite
Registration Required
About this event::

A water lily that was rescued from extinction when only a handful of seeds remained. A skunk-cabbage relative that produces the largest flowering structure on the planet — as well as a big stink when it blooms.

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

GO ITHACA Open Hours

2:00pm–4:00pm
Adults, Families
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Avenue of the Friends
Age Group: Adults, Families
Program Type: Community Groups, Other
About this event::

Join GO ITHACA for Open Hours at TCPL!

GO ITHACA is proud to help transform transportation in Tompkins County! Our program makes sustainable commuting accessible and affordable for everyone.

With our membership, you get:

This event is in the "Adults" group

Makerspace Open Hours

3:30pm–7:30pm
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 "Kids" group

Story + Craft

4:00pm–4:45pm
Kids
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
About this event::

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. 

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

How To Talk With Your Child About Sexuality

6:30pm–7:30pm
Adults, Families
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Adults, Families
Program Type: Classes and Workshops
Registration Required
About this event::

Presented by Planned Parenthood of Greater New York. Learn strategies for talking with your child about important issues.

Drop-ins welcome; register to get an email reminder about the event.

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

Baby & Toddler Storytime

10:30am–11:00am
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Storytimes
About this event::

Caregivers and their children are invited to join Cassie 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!