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

TCPL Foundation READATHON

10:30am–2:30pm
Adults, Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids, Teens
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Avenue of the Friends
Age Group: Adults, Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids, Teens
Program Type: Community Read, Fundraisers
About this event::

The TCPL Foundation's annual read-out-loud challenge to raise funds for Tompkins County Public Library, the READATHON enlists readers to raise funds for TCPL, culminating in a day-long celebration of lit

This event is in the "Families" group
This event is in the "Kids" group

Families Learning Science Together

2:00pm–3:00pm
Families, Kids
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Families, Kids
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Science and Nature, STEAM
Registration Required
About this event::

Children ages 5 and up and their families are invited to a free science program co-hosted by Chemists for Outreach and Graduate Inclusion (CoRGi) at Cornell University. 

This event is in the "Adults" group
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Schwarz Jacobson Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Writing
Registration Required
About this event::

Join screenwriter/novelist Elisabeth Nonas for a 3-part workshop at the Library this Fall on Saturday afternoons. With humor and skill, Nonas will help you develop a work-in-progress or begin a new project in a safe, encouraging environment.

Library Closed

All Day
Closing
Branches:
Tompkins County Public Library
This event is in the "Families" group
This event is in the "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group
This event is in the "Kids" group

Bilingual Puppet Show: Pedro and the Odyssey of the Paraná

10:00am–10:45am
Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids
Program Type: Performance, Storytimes
About this event::

Pedro and the Odyssey of the Paraná with acclaimed Argentine puppeteer Leonor Lipszyc

This event is in the "Kids" group

Sit! Stay! Read!

3:00pm–4:00pm
Kids
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: BorgWarner Full
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!