Play & Learn
Our Youth Services staff is thrilled to welcome you to our department.
What You'll Find Here:
Play Area
Join the fun with puzzles, trains, a play kitchen and more along with our Reading Zoo, a special kid-sized room.
STEAM!
Let your imagination fly with our STEAM cart full of supplies for your next creation.
*Currently unavailable due to COVID-19*
Computers
We offer internet computers for children aged 5-12 and their parents along with our Early Learning Stations loaded with games for the younger children.
Reader Is In
Hear a story read by our wonderful volunteers during your visit.
*Currently unavailable due to COVID-19*
Maker Is In
Volunteers engage children & families in using our more high-tech STEAM supplies such as robots and snap circuits.
*Currently unavailable due to COVID-19*
Sensory Station
Find weighted lap pads, noise-cancelling earmuffs, fidgets and other sensory tools.
*Currently unavailable due to COVID-19*
Virtual Tour
Take a trip through our department with our Visual Guide to TCPL.
Upcoming Events
This event is in the "Kids" group.
Jun
1
2022
Wed
Create a Mini Parade Float with the Johnson Museum!
3:00pm - 5:00pm
This event is in the "Kids" group.
Jun
1
2022
Wed
Create a Mini Parade Float with the Johnson Museum!
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Library Branch:
Tompkins County Public Library
Room:
Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group:
Kids
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
About this event::
Build a sculpture meant to move! Join educators from the Johnson Museum to create mini shoebox-sized parade floats.
Inspired by the 2022 theme of the Ithaca Festival Parade, “Together Again,” our floats will form a community-made mini pa...
This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Families" group.
Jun
2
2022
Thu
Registration
This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Families" group.
Jun
2
2022
Thu
Library Branch:
Tompkins County Public Library
Room:
Online
Age Group:
Adults,
Families
Program Type:
Classes and Workshops,
Health & Wellness,
Online Chat
Registration Required
Seats Remaining:
13
About this event::
Join Sarah Grant Curless for a weekly nutrition informational session. This week's topic is Mindful Eating . Explore how to slow down when it comes to eating and appreciating your food. Also, make this Tomato Bruschetta with us!
Sarah ...
This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Families" group.
Jun
4
2022
Sat
Registration
This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Families" group.
Jun
4
2022
Sat
Library Branch:
Tompkins County Public Library
Room:
BorgWarner Full
Age Group:
Adults,
Families
Program Type:
Classes and Workshops,
Community Groups,
Science and Nature
Registration Required
Seats Remaining:
3
About this event::
What are microgreens? Why are they fun? How can I grow them in small spaces? How can I use them and eat them? Microgreens are mini versions of regular vegetables. The shoots are harvested at a young age, before they grow into fully matured plants.
...
This event is in the "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group.
Jun
4
2022
Sat
Registration
This event is in the "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group.
Jun
4
2022
Sat
Library Branch:
Off Site
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type:
Storytimes
Registration Required
Seats Remaining:
96
About this event::
Children and families are invited to join us in Dewitt Park for stories, music and family fun!
In the event of inclement weather, we will meet live on Zoom. Please register below to receive the Zoom link.
To check if storytime will be held outs...
This event is in the "Families" group.
This event is in the "Kids" group.
Jun
4
2022
Sat
Families Learning Science Together
1:00pm - 2:00pm
This event is in the "Families" group.
This event is in the "Kids" group.
Jun
4
2022
Sat
Families Learning Science Together
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).
Please reserve your spot by contacting CCMR by email at ccmr_outreach@cornell.edu or by phone at (...
This event is in the "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group.
Jun
7
2022
Tue
Registration
This event is in the "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group.
Jun
7
2022
Tue
Library Branch:
Off Site
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type:
Storytimes
Registration Required
Seats Remaining:
98
About this event::
Children and families are invited to join us in Dewitt Park for stories, music and family fun!
In the event of inclement weather, we will meet live on Zoom. Please register below to receive the Zoom link.
To check if storytime will be held outs...
This event is in the "Kids" group.
Jun
8
2022
Wed
Registration
This event is in the "Kids" group.
Jun
8
2022
Wed
Library Branch:
Tompkins County Public Library
Room:
Online
Age Group:
Kids
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Registration Required
Waitlist Seats Remaining:
5
About this event::
Children ages 9-13 are welcome to join our Tween Book Club. In June we will be reading Zia Erases the World by Bree Barton. We will be joined in our meeting by the author! Registration is required as space is limited. Register online and reserv...
This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Families" group.
Jun
9
2022
Thu
Registration
This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Families" group.
Jun
9
2022
Thu
Library Branch:
Tompkins County Public Library
Room:
Online
Age Group:
Adults,
Families
Program Type:
Classes and Workshops,
Health & Wellness,
Online Chat
Registration Required
Seats Remaining:
15
About this event::
Join Sarah Grant Curless for a weekly nutrition informational session. This week's topic is Rethink Your Drink. Sugary drinks are hard on our bodies, and we will learn about why water and fruit drinks are the way to go. Also, explore how ...