Library Cards & Lending Guidelines

Getting a TCPL card is easy and FREE! You can register at the Library or online.
Click here to fill out an online application.

When you complete the online application, you will receive a temporary card number you can use to place holds. The next time you visit the library, bring your photo ID and we will issue your library card.

All TCPL items can be returned to any of the 33 Finger Lakes Library System member libraries.

Please see TCPL's Card and Lending Guidelines for more information about borrowing.

Questions? Call our Circulation Services Department at (607) 275-1LIB (1542).

 

Interlibrary Loans

Titles not found in the Tompkins County Public Library catalog or in the Finger Lakes Library System may be available through out-of-system interlibrary loan (ILL).

For more information about ILLs visit the Finger Lakes Library System website.

Questions? Call the Adult Services reference desk at 607-272-4556.

 

Institutional Cards

TCPL offers institutional cards to allow organizations to check out books in bulk.

To be considered, please send a letter from the head of the institution, on official letterhead, stating the individual(s) authorized to use the card, and that the institution agrees to be responsible for all materials borrowed on the card, for fines incurred, as well as for lost or damaged materials and designating a contact person to oversee the use of the card. 

A sample letter is available here: 

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group

Baby & Toddler Playtime

10:00am–11:00am
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Other
About this event::

Baby & Toddler Playtime is an unstructured play and social time for children and caregivers offering a warm, child-friendly space with books and age-appropriate toys.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Digital Technology and Scams

1:30pm–3:00pm
Adults
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Digital Lab, Technology Class
Registration Required
About this event::

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Learn to Sew One-on-One

3:00pm–4:00pm
Adults
Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Makerspace, One-on-One Appointments
Registration Required
About this event::

Learn the basics of using a modern sewing machine!

Join Therese for a one hour instructional introduction to sewing. You will learn the parts, threading, and basic use of the machine.

This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

Makerspace One-on-One

3:00pm–4:00pm
Adults, Teens
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Makerspace, One-on-One Appointments
Registration Required
About this event::

What do you want to make?

This event is in the "Kids" group

Sit! Stay! Read!

3:00pm–4:00pm
Kids
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: BorgWarner Full
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 Mondays from 3-4 p.m. Children who attend 6 sessions will earn a FREE book of their choice!