Library of Things

Library of Things

TCPL offers a collection of non-traditional items such as museum passes, sewing machines, metal detectors, seeds, induction cooktops, pans, umbrellas, phone chargers, and more that you can check out and use in-house or take home with you.

These items are listed in the catalog under "Library of Things." 

We also have a list of current collection holdings at the bottom of this page. Items are available near the main entrance.

 

Passes

Available at the Reference desk.

We do not allow holds on passes. However, if a pass is checked in when you search our online catalog, you can call us at 607-272-4556 and we will check it out to you. If you do not pick it up before closing that day we will check it back in the next morning so it will be available for someone else. Only one pass of any kind may be checked out on a card at a time.

 

Salutations Seed Library

Salutations Seed Library

Salutations Seed Library is a project co-sponsored by TCPL, the Master Gardeners of Tompkins County, and the Cornell Climate Stewards. It provides free seeds and gardening knowledge for the Tompkins County community. Located near the Reference desk. 

To learn more, check out our seed library page.

 

  

DEVICE CHARGING LOCKER STATION

Included with the Library of Things is a locker station (located at the Howard P. Hartnett Circulation Desk) that allows you to charge your mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or other small portable device.

Each small locker has a power cord with three charging adapters (USB-C, Micro USB, Lightning) that should allow it to charge most mobile devices. The larger lockers have the same power cord (for charging tablets or other devices) as well as a 45-watt usb-c charging cord for laptops.

How to use:
  1. Find an available locker (blue light will be on)
  2. Use the touch screen to select a locker and enter a code (4 to 6 digits)
  3. Tap "confirm"
  4. Re-enter code and press confirm a second time to open locker door
  5. Plug in phone and close locker door. Light will turn red to indicate charging
To retrieve your device:
  1. Select "retrieve" on the touch screen
  2. Enter your code
  3. Select "confirm"
  4. Locker door will automatically open

It's that easy!

 

Please note:

Devices cannot be used while charging.

Lockers do not indicate when charging is complete.

Only one device per locker.

TCPL is not responsible for any lost or damaged items.

 

 

The Library of Things at TCPL. Why buy when you can borrow?

  

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Adults" group

Makerspace Open Hours

3:30pm–7:30pm
Adults
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Makerspace
About this event::

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!

This event is in the "Kids" group

Story + Craft

4:00pm–4:45pm
Kids
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
About this event::

Story + Craft is our weekly reading + creating event for children! Join us for a read-aloud, followed by art-making or a guided craft. Best for children 5 and up, but younger are welcome with an adult to assist. 

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

Sciencenter Live Animal Show

5:00pm–6:00pm
Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: BorgWarner Full
Age Group: Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids
Program Type: Community Groups, Science and Nature, STEAM
About this event::

Join the Sciencenter to meet snakes, lizards, and invertebrates, learn about animal adaptations, and explore how researchers use biomimicry to help solve problems!

The Resisters Chorus

6:30pm–7:30pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: BorgWarner East
This event is in the "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group

Summer Baby & Toddler Storytime

10:30am–11:00am
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Storytimes
About this event::

Caregivers and their children are invited to join us for songs, rhymes and books at the park next to the Henry St. John Building at 301 S.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Makerspace Open Hours

3:30pm–5:30pm
Adults
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Makerspace
About this event::

Drop-in for Open Hours - registration is not required.