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.

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Upcoming Events

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

Baby & Toddler Playtime

10:00am–11:00am
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Other
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

Digital Technology and Scams

1:30pm–3:00pm
Adults
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Digital Lab, Technology Class
Registration Required
About this event::

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Learn to Sew One-on-One

3:00pm–4:00pm
Adults
Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Makerspace, One-on-One Appointments
Registration Required
About this event::

Learn the basics of using a modern sewing machine!

Join Therese for a one hour instructional introduction to sewing. You will learn the parts, threading, and basic use of the machine.

This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

Makerspace One-on-One

3:00pm–4:00pm
Adults, Teens
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Makerspace, One-on-One Appointments
Registration Required
About this event::

What do you want to make?

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!

This event is in the "Teens" group

Teen Maker Monday

4:00pm–6:00pm
Teens
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Makerspace
About this event::

Let's Make Something! 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Cricut, and more...