Library by Mail

Library by Mail

Library by Mail

Tompkins County Public Library’s Library by Mail service provides books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, and magazines to homebound residents of Tompkins County who are physically unable to visit the Library. Patrons registered with the Library by Mail service may receive up to two (2) items at a time delivered by the US Postal Service to their residence.

 If you can’t come to TCPL, then TCPL will come to you! With a diverse and current selection of fiction and nonfiction, you are sure to find something that meets your needs.

 

Frequently Asked Questions
 

Who is eligible for this program?

To be eligible for Library by Mail, you must meet all three of the following criteria:

  1. Live within the boundaries of Tompkins County
  2. Possess or be willing to sign up for a Tompkins County Public Library card or possess a library card from the Southworth Library Association, Groton Public Library, Lansing Community Library, Newfield Public Library, or Ulysses Philomathic Library.
  3. Unable to get to the library

Typical qualifiers may include those:

  • Temporarily or permanently homebound and/or in a convalescent home
  • Concerned and/or at risk due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Experiencing difficulty getting to the library due to a disability or age-related mobility issues

 

How do I request materials?

Materials can be requested by placing a hold through our online catalog or by calling +1 (607) 272-4556  and speaking with a librarian.
 

What kinds of materials can I borrow?

Books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, and magazines.
 

How many items can I borrow at a time?

Two (2) items at a time may be borrowed. Search the online catalog or call to talk and a librarian will help you: +1 (607) 272-4556.
 

How long can I keep the items?

The lending period is three weeks, and are renewable online or by calling the Library‘s circulation department at +1 (607) 275-1554.
 

What if I am late returning items?

TCPL does not charge fines for late items, but others may be waiting for the items you have.
 

Who pays for postage?

We do! Funding for this program has been provided by a generous grant from Cornell University.
 

What if items are lost or damaged?

You are responsible for the cost of any lost or damaged items. 
 

How do I sign up?

Complete the online form or call Keith at +1 (607) 272-4557, ext. 242. 
 

Do I need a Tompkins County Public Library card to participate?

Yes. If you don‘t have one, you can fill out the online card application or call Keith at +1 (607) 272-4557, ext. 242. 

 
Cornell University

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Adults" group.

One-on-One Tech Help

12:00pm - 1:00pm
Full
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Digital Lab, Technology Class
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 1
About this event::
Book a librarian or volunteer technology tutor for help with digital downloads, such as borrowing eBooks, or basic computer questions.  **Please visit the Adult Services reference desk at the time of your appointment.**  Appointments will b...
This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Makerspace One-on-One

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Full
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Makerspace, One-on-One Appointments
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 1
About this event::
What do you want to make? Register for a one-on-one session in the makerspace with Library Assistant Josh to use our laser cutter, 3-D printer, or Cricut.  Sessions are one hour and a maximum of two people are allowed in the makerspace a...
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Maker Mondays

4:00pm - 6:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Makerspace, STEAM, Technology Class
About this event::
Let's Make Something! 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Cricut, etc... Teens are invited to the Makerspace for two hours of open-making time. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and use one of our Makerspace machines:  3D Printers (M...
This event is in the "Teens" group.
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Schwarz Jacobson Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 5
About this event::
Join us each month to discuss a book that we've all read! We will be meeting in-person in the Schwarz Jacobson room this year; snacks and drinks will be provided. This month we will be discussing the award-winning When the Angels Left the Old Coun...
This event is in the "Adults" group.
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: BorgWarner West
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Other
About this event::
Nature on the Doorstep reveals the simple pleasures of paying attention to the natural world in one's own backyard. In this talk and discussion, Angela E. Douglas will share highlights of the collection of 52 short essays, and will discuss what she&n...
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Queer Craft Meetup

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Classes and Workshops, Community Groups, Digital Lab
About this event::
Join other LGBTQIAP+ adults to do arts and crafts, hang out, and have fun. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own craft project, such as knitting, crochet, felting, embroidery, drawing, or any other craft that does not involve liquids (including...
This event is in the "Families" group.
This event is in the "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group.

Family Storytime

11:00am - 11:30am
Open
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Storytimes
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 57
About this event::
Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to celebrate reading and build their early literacy skills every week at Family Storytime! Registration is not required. To receive email reminders about Family Storytime, contact Kelly at kdoo...
This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Makerspace One-on-One

11:00am - 12:00pm
Waitlist
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Makerspace, One-on-One Appointments
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
About this event::
What do you want to make? Register for a one-on-one session in the makerspace with Library Assistant Josh to use our laser cutter, 3-D printer, or Cricut.  Sessions are one hour and a maximum of two people are allowed in the makerspace a...