Play & Learn

Play & Learn

Our Youth Services staff is thrilled to welcome you to our department.

What You'll Find Here:

Play Area

Reading Zoo

Join the fun with puzzles, trains, a play kitchen and more along with our Reading Zoo, a special kid-sized room.

STEAM!

STEAM Cart

Let your imagination fly with our STEAM cart full of supplies for your next creation.

Computers

Kid at Computer

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

Reading to Kids

Hear a story read by our wonderful volunteers during your visit.

Maker Is In

Makerspace kid

Volunteers engage children & families in using our more high-tech STEAM supplies such as robots and snap circuits.

Sensory Station

Kid Reading

Find weighted lap pads, noise-cancelling earmuffs, fidgets and other sensory tools.

Virtual Tour

A trip through out department with "Visual Guide to TCPL".

Upcoming Events

Sit! Stay! Read!

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Other
About this event::
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 Tuesdays from 3-4 p.m. Children who attend 6 sessions will earn a FREE book of their choice! Co-s...

Kids Discover the Trail Class Visit

9:00am - 12:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Kids
About this event::
TCPL welcomes ALL of the Kindergartners in the Ithaca City and Trumansburg School Districts for special class visits! ...

Kids Discover the Trail Class Visit

11:00am - 1:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: BorgWarner West
Age Group: Kids
About this event::
TCPL welcomes ALL of the Kindergartners in the Ithaca City and Trumansburg School Districts for special class visits! ...

Kids' Lantern Workshop

4:30pm - 5:30pm
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Makerspace
Registration Required
About this event::
Kids and their caregivers are invited to make a custom lantern using glass jars. The Library will provide all supplies and the Cricut machine will be available for making stickers! This program is free and open to the public. Registration is requi...

Simple Signs for Infants, Toddlers, and Families

10:30am - 11:00am
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Classes and Workshops
About this event::
Join pediatric speech language pathologist Michele Westfall for a half hour of signs, songs and strategies for communication.  Learn to use American Sign Language (ASL) to facilitate your child’s understanding of their environment and their abil...

Baby & Toddler Playtime

11:00am - 12:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Other
About this event::
An hour-long, unstructured play and socialization time for babies and toddlers. This program will be held weekly. Drop in any time! ...

Spring Comics Camp for Kids

10:00am - 11:00am
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Kids, Teens
Program Type: Writing, Classes and Workshops, Makerspace
About this event::
Join comic artist Ten Van Winkle for lessons on making comics, from drawing, to character creation, to storytelling! From ages 8-13, first-timers and old pros all welcome! This program will meet in the Makerspace with extra seating available in the D...

Spring Comics Camp for Kids

10:00am - 11:00am
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Kids, Teens
Program Type: Writing, Classes and Workshops, Makerspace
About this event::
Join comic artist Ten Van Winkle for lessons on making comics, from drawing, to character creation, to storytelling! From ages 8-13, first-timers and old pros all welcome! This program will meet in the Makerspace with extra seating available in the D...