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 toy trucks, blocks, a magnetic board and lots of other toys along with our Reading Zoo, a special kid-sized room.
Games & Puzzles
Play board and card games or put together puzzles for toddlers, preschoolers and elementary-aged children.
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.
Sensory Station
Find weighted lap pads, noise-cancelling earmuffs, fidgets and other sensory tools.
Virtual Tour
Take a trip through our department with our Visual Guide to TCPL.
Upcoming Events
GO ITHACA Open Hours
Join GO ITHACA for Open Hours at TCPL!
GO ITHACA is proud to help transform transportation in Tompkins County! Our program makes sustainable commuting accessible and affordable for everyone.
With our membership, you get:
Story + Craft
Story + Craft is our weekly reading + creating event for children! Join us for a read-aloud, followed by art-making or a guided craft. Best for children 5 and up, but younger are welcome with an adult to assist.
Ages 8 to 108 Board Game Club
Are you between the ages of 8 and 108 and love playing board games? Then come join our board game club at TCPL! We meet in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room on Thursdays from 5 to 7pm.
Summer Baby & Toddler Storytime
Caregivers and their children are invited to join us for songs, rhymes and books at the park next to the Henry St. John Building at 301 S.
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.
SPLAT! Sumthin' Paint Party
As part of the 2025 Color Our World Summer Reading Program, SPLAT! Sumthin’ Paint Room is thrilled to bring the joy of Spin Art to TCPL!
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!
SingSong Music Class Series
Sign your kiddo up for this four-week music class series with local musician and music-educator Amy Puryear! SingSong is a fun-filled class for little ones and parents/caregivers to enjoy music together in a circle setting.