Tompkins County Research Service

Tompkins County Research Service

Tompkins County Public Library will provide limited research on topics of local history or interest where the information sought is unique to the collection of the library.  This service is available to individuals and/or organizations for whom it is impossible to visit the library in person. Referrals will be given for information that falls outside of the library's collection.

Requests may be submitted via surface mail or email, or by completing the form below. No more than one hour of research will be done per request. Up to ten photographed pages may be sent per request with no additional fee. The library will make every attempt to respond to a request within fourteen business days from the receipt of the request. Please note that it may take longer depending on the volume of requests.

If more detailed research on topics of local history is required, the patron will be referred to The History Center in Tompkins County or other likely sources.

 

Local History Online Collection

Tompkins County Public Library is pleased to provide online local history information. The library is dedicated to providing online access to relevant local history materials relating to Tompkins County and surrounding areas. Here you will find a variety of digitized materials from our print collection.

 

How to Request Research

Surface mail:

Tompkins County Public Library
Attention: Meghan Molloy
101 East Green Street
Ithaca NY 14850

Email: TCRS@tcpl.org

 

Tompkins County Research Online Form

Privacy Policy: In respect to your privacy, all information submitted is confidential and is only used to comply with your request.

Note: If you experience difficulties with this form, please call 607-272-4557 ext. 253.

 

 

Upcoming Events

Makerspace Open Hours

3:30pm - 5:30pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Makerspace
About this event::
Drop-in open hours are back! Registration is no longer required. We still must adhere to room occupancy requirements (max. 10 people at a time), but do not anticipate this being an issue often.  Visit the Makerspace to use the laser cutter, 3...

Dungeons and Dragons Club

11:00am - 2:00pm
Open
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Time Warner Cable Study Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Community Groups, Meetings
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 10
About this event::
Elfves, dwarves, halflings, and humans meet most Saturdays to pursue fantasy quests. There may be space for new participants - no experience needed! Campaigns are played over multiple weeks, so joining is a long-term commitment to try to come most ...

Dungeons and Dragons Club 2

11:00am - 2:00pm
Open
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Tompkins Trust Company Study Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Community Groups, Meetings
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 12
About this event::
Elfves, dwarves, halflings, and humans meet most Saturdays to pursue fantasy quests. There may be space for new participants - no experience needed! Campaigns are played over multiple weeks, so joining is a long-term commitment to try to come most ...

Families Learning Science Together: Simple Circuits

1:00pm - 2:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: BorgWarner Full
Age Group: Families, Kids
Program Type: STEAM
About this event::
Children ages 5 and up and their families are invited to a free science program co-hosted by Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR). This month, Families will find out how to make a simple circuit, and will also test to find out what mater...

TCPL Maker Saturdays for Teens

2:00pm - 4:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Makerspace, STEAM, Technology Class
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...

One-on-One Tech Help

10:00am - 11:00am
Open
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Digital Lab, One-on-One Appointments, Technology Class
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 1
About this event::
Book a librarian or volunteer technology tutor for help with digital downloads, such as borrowing eBooks, or basic computer questions.  **Please visit the Adult Services reference desk at the time of your appointment.**  Appointments will b...

Playtime with the Finger Lakes Toy Library

11:00am - 12:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Classes and Workshops
About this event::
Families with young children are invited to come play with an assortment of toys appropriate for infants and toddlers. The Finger Lakes Toy Library is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to toys and play while fostering a communit...

One-on-One Tech Help

11:30am - 12:30pm
Full
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Digital Lab, One-on-One Appointments, Technology Class
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
About this event::
Book a librarian or volunteer technology tutor for help with digital downloads, such as borrowing eBooks, or basic computer questions.  **Please visit the Adult Services reference desk at the time of your appointment.**  Appointments will b...