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
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!
Ballet and Books: Seeds (3 years - Kindergarten)
Ballet & Books is a national, non-profit organization that provides children ages 3-9 with an opportunity to improve their literacy skills through a combination of dance instruction and literacy-focused mentorship with high school and college-
Ballet and Books: Sprouts (1st - 4th grade)
Ballet & Books is a national, non-profit organization that provides children ages 3-9 with an opportunity to improve their literacy skills through a combination of dance instruction and literacy-focused mentorship with high school and college-
Baby & Toddler Playtime
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.
Learn to Sew One-on-One
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.
Sit! Stay! Read!
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!
Teen Maker Monday
Let's Make Something! 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Cricut, and more...