Library reading room with bookshelves; man and girl reading from a picture book; people looking at art in a display case

Do you love Tompkins County Public Library
as much as we do?

Give Now!

Would you like to learn more about how you can help support TCPL?
You're in the right place!

Why do we love TCPL?

Probably for the same reasons you do! Here at the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation, we raise funds to support the Library's vision of a library where everyone can belong and find joy in learning, discovery, and personal growth. They've made it their mission to foster opportunities for people of all ages to discover, connect, and create throughout Tompkins County--and we are totally on board with that!

Recipe card "My library helped me...because I love to read books and there are so many to read. -Aurelia"

How does the Foundation help support TCPL's work?

Contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations and organizations help fund TCPL above and beyond what public funding provides. The Library Foundation steps in, raises awareness of needs, connects library lovers with opportunities for support, and directs funds raised to the Library.

What does your donation support?
Since our founding in 1993, the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation has raised over $8.7 million dollars in support of TCPL, in the areas of:

  • Collections: ongoing acquisitions and investments in books, AV materials, digital content, and more

  • Youth Services: summer programming, art exhibits, digital learning, maker programs

  • Special Initiatives in response to our community's growing needs: Adult literacy and ESL programs, technology access and training, professional development, arts celebrations and special exhibits, outreach to underserved populations

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Even more importantly, funds raised support:​

  • Families looking for affordable ways to feed their thirst for knowledge and entertainment

  • Children who are growing into readers and citizens

  • Jobseekers who need internet access to complete online applications

  • People of all ages searching for the resources they need to complete projects, round out their knowledge, and distract themselves from the daily grind

  • People in between housing and public transit users in need of a warm or cool place to rest

  • Teens who need a place to study and gather with friends

  • Local groups, nonprofits, and businesses looking for meeting space

  • And so much more!

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Join us and become a part of our community of Library Lovers!

Explore our website to find out more! Or, if you're ready, click here to visit our secure online giving page.