Tompkins County Research Service
Tompkins County Public Library will provide limited research on topics of local history or interest where the information sought is unique to the collection of the library. This service is available to individuals and/or organizations for whom it is impossible to visit the library in person. Referrals will be given for information that falls outside of the library's collection.
Requests may be submitted via surface mail or email, or by completing the form below. No more than one hour of research will be done per request. Up to ten photographed pages may be sent per request with no additional fee. The library will make every attempt to respond to a request within fourteen business days from the receipt of the request. Please note that it may take longer depending on the volume of requests.
If more detailed research on topics of local history is required, the patron will be referred to The History Center in Tompkins County or other likely sources.
Local History Online Collection
Tompkins County Public Library is pleased to provide online local history information. The library is dedicated to providing online access to relevant local history materials relating to Tompkins County and surrounding areas. Here you will find a variety of digitized materials from our print collection.
How to Request Research
Surface mail:
Tompkins County Public Library
Attention: Meghan Molloy
101 East Green Street
Ithaca NY 14850
Email: TCRS@tcpl.org
Tompkins County Research Online Form
Upcoming Events
Makerspace One-on-One
What do you want to make?
Story + Craft
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.
Makerspace Open Hours
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!
Winter Baby & Toddler Storytime
Caregivers and their children are invited to join us 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!
Makerspace Open Hours
Drop-in open hours are back! Registration is no longer required.
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.
Lion Dance and Chinese Cultural Dance
Lion Dance and Chinese Cultural Dance
Tompkins County Public Library, in partnership with the Cornell Lion Dance Club and the Cornell Illumination Chinese Cultural Dance Troupe, invites you to a spectacular and thrilling dance performance for children and families!
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!