Library by Mail

Library by Mail

Library by Mail

Our Library by Mail service provides library materials to residents of Tompkins County who are physically unable to visit the Library. Patrons registered with the Library by Mail service may receive up to seven (7) items at a time delivered by the US Postal Service to their residence.

 

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 a library card from another library in Tompkins County
  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 mobility issues

 

How do I sign up?

Complete the online form, email LBM@tcpl.org or call 607-272-4557

 

How do I request materials?

Books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, and magazines can be requested by placing a hold through our online catalog or by calling 607-272-4556. Ask us about our digital library!

 

How many items can I borrow at a time? How long can I keep the items?

Seven (7) items at a time may be borrowed for three weeks.

 

What if I'm late returning items? What if items are lost or damaged?

TCPL does not charge fines for late items. TCPL does not charge for lost or damaged items.

 

Who pays for postage?

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

 

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.

 
Cornell University

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group.

Winter Baby & Toddler Storytime

10:30am - 11:00am
Open
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Storytimes
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: Unlimited
About this event::
Caregivers with toddlers and babies are invited to join Cassie for songs, rhymes, movement and books. Following storytime each week, we'll have a baby & toddler playtime from 11 am - noon. Registration is needed but to receive a weekly em...
This event is in the "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group.

Baby & Toddler Playtime

11:00am - 12:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
About this event::
Baby & Toddler Playtime is an unstructured play and social time for children and caregivers offering a warm, child-friendly space with books and age-appropriate toys. ...
This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Makerspace Open Hours

3:30pm - 5:30pm
Cancelled
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Makerspace
About this event::
Drop-in open hours are back! Registration is no longer required. Visit the Makerspace to use the laser cutter, 3-D printer, Cricut, or sewing/embroidery machines.  All equipment will be available on a first come first served basis and machine...
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 at Family Storytime. We meet each Saturday for stories, songs and hands-on fun. Just drop in or register to get a reminder email! ...
This event is in the "Adults" group.
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Digital Lab
About this event::
This year the Tompkins County Public Library's Digital Lab will host the Tompkins Area VITA - Free Tax Preparation Service.  This service is available to low-income residents of Tompkins and Cortland Counties, and is completely free as long as y...
This event is in the "Families" group.
This event is in the "Kids" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Families, Kids, Teens
Program Type: STEAM, Technology Class
About this event::
It's robot racing time! TCPL is inviting youth 8+, Teens, and families to a monthly robot race in the Makerspace! Each month participants will be challenged to program and tune a robot car to achieve the fastest time on the track. A new track will...
This event is in the "Kids" group.

Sit! Stay! Read!

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Other
About this event::
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! Co-sp...
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: 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...