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

Miss Judy’s Musical Adventure

4:00pm - 4:30pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids
Program Type: Music
About this event::
Judy Stock uses the banjo, guitar, spoons and many more instruments to bring music to children. This program brings the joy of singing, rhyming, instruments, finger plays and movement all together in one fun filled 30 minute music session. Children s...

Stories in the Park

11:30am - 12:00pm
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Storytimes
About this event::
Children and families are invited to join us each Tuesday in Dewitt Park for stories, music and family fun. After storytime, stay for lunch and shopping at the Ithaca Farmer's Market. In the event of inclement weather, we will meet in the Library'...

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...

Maker Kids

3:45pm - 4:45pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, STEAM, Classes and Workshops, Makerspace
About this event::
Join us for a kids' maker session for ages 5 - 12. Each session will provide a range of activities for varying ages and ability levels. Participants can also bring their own projects. No registration required, just drop in! ...

Bilingual Chinese-English Family Storytime

11:30am - 12:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids
Program Type: Storytimes
About this event::
Please join other families and friends to enjoy songs, rhymes and stories in Mandarin and English. Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome to join us. ...

Artist in Community Ithaca Giant Community Workshop

5:30pm - 8:00pm
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: BorgWarner East
Age Group: Adults, Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Classes and Workshops
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 51
About this event::
NOTE: This event will take place in two sessions during this time slot - 5:30-6:30 for families with children, and 7-8 for adults only. There are giants in the sky... and in Tompkins County Public Library! Come help Artist in Community, Sco...

Baby Storytime & Playtime

10:30am - 12:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Storytimes
About this event::
Caregivers and newborns up to 24 months are invited for music, rhymes, movement and books at 10:30. After storytime, stay for an hour of play and social time. ...

Summer Art Fun

2:00pm - 4:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers, Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
About this event::
Children aged 3-6 are invited to celebrate summer by creating their own masterpieces at this drop-in program.  Stop by anytime to join in!  A Margaret Johnstone Hilton Endowment Fund program ...