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
SingSong Music Class Series
Sign your kiddo up for this four-week music class series with local musician and music-educator Amy Puryear! SingSong is a fun-filled class for little ones and parents/caregivers to enjoy music together in a circle setting.
Makerspace One-on-One
What do you want to make?
Technology Basics One-on-One
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.
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!
LEGO Family Build Night
TCPL invites families to a weekly LEGO build night! Buckets of LEGO will be provided for participants to borrow for their builds.
Teen Creative Writing Workshop
Love to write your own stories? Have ideas for your own characters and worlds, or an interest in writing fanfiction? Join Adrienne Raw for a Teen Creative Writing Workshop!
Technology Basics One-on-One
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.
Makerspace Open Hours - AM Session
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!