Ask a Librarian

Ask a Librarian

Ask a Librarian at TCPL is available for ready-reference questions. We can provide brief answers to questions or suggest further sources to answer your question. For genealogical research questions, please visit our research services page. As with all reference questions, email and online reference questions will remain confidential.

The Information and Learning Services Reference Desk is staffed all the hours the library is open. You may call the Reference Desk during library hours at (607) 272-4556.

Submit your question using the following form:

I am a...

Upcoming Events

Memory Lab One-on-One

10:00am - 11:00am
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Local History Study Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Local History, One-on-One Appointments
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
About this event::
Do you have old family photos, film or videos that you would like to convert to a digital format?  Now you can for free at the library!  During this hour long session a librarian will help you use our conversion equipment.  Please reme...

Open Heart Kids Yoga

11:00am - 12:00pm
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Families, Kids
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Other
Registration Required
Waitlist Seats Remaining: Unlimited
About this event::
Join us for a weekly yoga program! This four week series is best suited for children ages 3 - 9, but younger siblings are welcome! Registration is required. ...

Chinese New Year Decorations Making Party

1:00pm - 2:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
About this event::
The 2020 Chinese New Year will start on Jan. 25 and last for 15 days. This is the year of the rat, the first sign in the Chinese zodiac. Join us at the Chinese New Year Decorations Making Party to make some traditional New Year decorations ...

LEGO at the Library

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids
Program Type: STEAM, Other
About this event::
Children are invited to attend this weekly LEGO® brick building program. 'LEGO at the Library' encourages children to use their imaginations or LEGO books from the TCPL collection to create their own LEGO art! The Library will provide LEGO bricks, an...

Martin Luther King Day Family Celebration

11:00am - 11:45am
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids
Program Type: Storytimes
About this event::
This celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. will include books, singalongs, puppets, and a craft, as well as a unique drumming experience with special guest Aloja Airewele. Children, their families, and caregivers are invited to celebrate peace, coope...

Makerspace OPEN HOURS

12:00pm - 4:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, STEAM, Makerspace
About this event::
Join us in the Makerspace for self-led open hours! Bring your project, or make something with our available tools and materials. Share ideas with other makers, learn from volunteers and members of the community, and tinker to your heart's content!...

Kids Winter Crafternoon

2:00pm - 4:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
About this event::
Kids and families are invited to an arts & crafts afternoon! The Library will offer a variety of activities for all ages and abilities. ...