Local History & Genealogy
From books, to maps, and everything in between, you can find a variety of digitized materials from our local history collection. Partial funding for digitization was made possible through a grant from the Park Foundation to encourage sustainability through remote access of library materials.
You can also access HeritageQuest Online from our library computers to search census records, books, and documents for information about your ancestors. Want to search HeritageQuest from home? Log into your account, click on the Online Databases tab, and then select "Genealogy & Family Research" to see links for HeritageQuest and New York Heritage.
We can provide limited research on topics of local history or interest where the information sought is unique to the collection of the library. The Tompkins County Research Service is available to individuals and/or organizations for whom it is impossible to visit the library in person.
For additional resources, visit the following websites:
The History Center in Tompkins County
New York Heritage Digital Collections
Library of Congress New York State Guide
The Library of Congress web guide contains a variety of materials specifically relating to New York State, including manuscripts, documents, photos, books and maps. This site also provides links to websites such as:
The U.S. GenWeb Project
Genealogy websites for genealogical research in every county and every state of the United States.
Cayuga Heights History Project
Upcoming Events
Makerspace Open Hours
Drop-in for Open Hours - registration is not required.
More Fall Fun Yoga!
Children are welcome to join us as we celebrate autumn in a yoga series that flows with the seasons!
Honey Heist! A Family Friendly RPG
Join us for Honey Heist, where you get to play bears working together to pull off the greatest heist in bear history- stealing all the honey from the annual NYS Honey Convention. It won't be easy, but these bears are determined!
The Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic Tabling
DO YOU HAVE A FEDERAL INCOME TAX PROBLEM?
Has Your Tax Refund Been Withheld? Do You Owe the IRS Money? Are You Having Problems With the IRS?
Family Storytime
Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to celebrate reading and build their early literacy skills at Family Storytime. We meet each Saturday for stories, songs and hands-on fun.
Girls Who Code: Workshop for Tweens and Teens
Women in Computing Cornell presents a Girls Who Code beginning coding workshop. Best for grades 5-12 (or homeschool equivalent) but younger welcome if math skills are strong. Space is limited - register to save your spot!
Autumn Art for Kids
Let your imagination soar with local artist and teacher, Stiller Zusman. This is a drop-in program and well-suited for children ages 3-6 and their families.
TCPL Makerspace x The History Center: Ithaca Kitty Making
In collaboration with The History Center in Tompkins County, patrons are invited to artistically decorate and create a cat shaped pillow, inspired by the Ithaca Kitty!