About TCPL

About TCPL

Tompkins County Public Library (Ithaca, New York), founded in 1864 by Ezra Cornell, serves the 104,926 residents of Tompkins County and is the Central Library for the Finger Lakes Library System, serving libraries and users in Tompkins, Tioga, Cortland, Seneca and Cayuga counties. Click here to read the history of Tompkins County Public Library.

With over 37,000 registered borrowers and an annual circulation of 595,000 items, Tompkins County Public Library (TCPL) is a vibrant and busy institution. The Library offers a circulating collection of 250,000 items including books, paperbacks, magazines, DVDs, music and audiobook CDs, and streaming content.  Reference and information services are available in person, by phone or by email. 

Public events for all ages include author readings, story times, art shows, music, cultural celebrations and an annual Community Read.

Vision Statement

Our Library strives to inspire and educate all members of our community during each stage of their lives, to be a place where people can experience the joy of reading, the power of information, and the strength of community connections.

Mission Statement

Tompkins County Public Library is a core community service. We provide free and open access to services, resources, and programs that foster literacy, cultural appreciation and personal growth and community connections.

Adopted January 25, 2011