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:

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Upcoming Events

Break for Movies

12:00pm - 1:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Online
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Online Chat
About this event::
Join us to talk about movies, TV shows, and other viewing interests! Mondays, 12-1 pm on Facebook.  ...

TCPL MAKER MONDAY FOR TEENS

3:00pm - 5:00pm
Open
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: STEAM, Technology Class
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 1
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 (...

VIRTUAL TCPL MAKER MONDAY FOR TEENS

3:00pm - 5:00pm
Open
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Online
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: STEAM, Technology Class
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 1
About this event::
Let's Make Something! 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Cricut, etc... Teens are invited to virtually join in on Maker Mondays. Through Zoom, participants will be shown how to make 3D objects in Tinkercad, create SVGs in Inkscape, set up and print on a ...

Finding a Home for Your Story: A “Hermit Crab” Essay Writing Workshop

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Full
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Online
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Writing
Registration Required
Waitlist Seats Remaining: 5
About this event::
The idea of the “hermit crab” essay—a term coined by Brenda Miller and Suzanne Paola in their 2003 book Tell It Slant—is inspired by the way that hermit crabs take on various items as their shells: they borrow a structure to create their home. A herm...

Makerspace One-on-One

11:00am - 12:00pm
Waitlist
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Makerspace, One-on-One Appointments
Registration Required
Waitlist Seats Remaining: 1
About this event::
What do you want to make? Register for a one-on-one session in the makerspace with Library Assistant Josh to use our laser cutter, sewing machines, 3-D printer, or Cricut (Staff support for the sewing machines is not currently available).  Se...

Stories in the Park

11:00am - 11:30pm
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids
Program Type: Storytimes
About this event::
Children and families are invited to join us each Tuesday in Dewitt Park for stories, music and family fun. On days we're unable to meet due to weather, Kelly will post a virtual storytime. Please call the Youth Services Reference Desk at (607) ...

Nutrition Workshop Series - Snack Attack!

12:00pm - 1:00pm
Open
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Online
Age Group: Adults, Families
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: Unlimited
About this event::
Join Sarah Grant Curless for a weekly nutrition informational session.  This week's topic is Snack Attack! Learn about ways to create healthy snacks, and how to pick healthier options at sit down and fast casual restaurants. Also, explor...

Makerspace One-on-One

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Waitlist
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Makerspace, One-on-One Appointments
Registration Required
Waitlist Seats Remaining: 1
About this event::
What do you want to make? Register for a one-on-one session in the makerspace with Library Assistant Josh to use our laser cutter, sewing machines, 3-D printer, or Cricut (Staff support for the sewing machines is not currently available).  Se...