Library Cards & Lending Guidelines

Getting a TCPL card is easy and FREE! You can register at the Library or online.
Click here to fill out an online application.

When you complete the online application, you will receive a temporary card number you can use to place holds. The next time you visit the library, bring your photo ID and we will issue your library card.

All TCPL items can be returned to any of the 33 Finger Lakes Library System member libraries.

Please see TCPL's Card and Lending Guidelines for more information about borrowing.

Questions? Call our Circulation Services Department at (607) 275-1LIB (1542).

Titles not found in the Tompkins County Public Library catalog or in the Finger Lakes Library System may be available through out-of-system interlibrary loan (ILL).

For more information about ILLs visit the Finger Lakes Library System website.

Questions? Call the Adult Services reference desk at 607-272-4556.

TCPL offers institutional cards to allow organizations to check out books in bulk.

To be considered, please send a letter from the head of the institution, on official letterhead, stating the individual(s) authorized to use the card, and that the institution agrees to be responsible for all materials borrowed on the card, for fines incurred, as well as for lost or damaged materials and designating a contact person to oversee the use of the card. 

A sample letter is available here: