Local History & Genealogy
From books, to maps, and everything in between, you can find a variety of digitized materials from our local history collection. Partial funding for digitization was made possible through a grant from the Park Foundation to encourage sustainability through remote access of library materials.
You can also access HeritageQuest Online from our library computers to search census records, books, and documents for information about your ancestors. Want to search HeritageQuest from home? Log into your account, click on the Online Databases tab, and then select "Genealogy & Family Research" to see links for HeritageQuest and New York Heritage.
We can provide limited research on topics of local history or interest where the information sought is unique to the collection of the library. The Tompkins County Research Service is available to individuals and/or organizations for whom it is impossible to visit the library in person.
For additional resources, visit the following websites:
The History Center in Tompkins County
New York Heritage Digital Collections
Library of Congress New York State Guide
The Library of Congress web guide contains a variety of materials specifically relating to New York State, including manuscripts, documents, photos, books and maps. This site also provides links to websites such as:
The U.S. GenWeb Project
Genealogy websites for genealogical research in every county and every state of the United States.
Cayuga Heights History Project
Upcoming Events
Makerspace One-on-One
What do you want to make?
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!
The Storyteller's Bag by OJI:SDA’
The Lenni Lenape people keep objects that help recall their stories in beautifully decorated leather pouches called storyteller bags. In this workshop led by Yvonne Wakim Dennis, children will make their own storyteller bags.
Teen Maker Monday
Let's Make Something! 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Cricut, and more...
Panel by Panel Graphic Novel Book Club
Join us to discuss It Rhymes with Takei by George Takei:
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!