About Ulysses Philomathic Library:

The Collection: The Library owns about 16,559 books, magazines, newspapers, including, The New York Times, books-on-tape and CD, and videos. We are a vital community asset, in 2003 lending more than 46,610 items.

Who May Use the Library: Anyone may use the library free of charge and may borrow materials after registering for borrower's privileges. Children under age 12 need a parent's/guardian's permission to get a library card. Please present your card to borrow books or to ask about your record.

Library Funding: In addition to support from the county, town, school district and village, our annual operating funds come from such sources as Borg-Warner, Finger Lakes Library System, Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library, Gemm Shoppe, Trumansburg Telephone Co., United Way (Ulysses Community Council), Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County/NYS Council of the Arts Decentralization Program, Ulysses/Trumansburg Joint Youth Commission, and friends.

Who Works Here? The director with the help of the reference librarian and an assistant oversees the operation of the Library. All other workers volunteer their services at the main desk and assist with shelving, maintenance, programs and special events, i.e. the Book Sale, the Wine Tasting and the Candlelight Dinner.

Borrowing Materials: Most of our collection can be loaned for three weeks. New fiction and non-fiction may be reserved by UPL patrons only and cannot be renewed.  With a few exceptions, other items can be renewed for an additional two weeks.  Videos are loaned for five days and cannot be renewed.  Materials may be borrowed from other libraries both inside and outside of the Finger Lakes Library System.

Returning Items: Items may be returned after hours by placing books in the boxes at the front and rear entrances. Lateness incurs a fine of 10 cents per item per day. Videos are $1 per day of lateness. Patrons who lose or badly damage items will be charged the full replacement cost. Borrowing privileges will be suspended if a patron owes more than $10.

Library Association: Anyone may join the Association by paying annual dues starting at $10. Membership is tax deductible and voluntary. Please ask for details.

Computer Services: Patrons can search the on-line catalog for a listing of the holdings of each of the Finger Lakes Library System’s 32 member libraries. In addition you may search electronic databases from the Library’s Resource page for information from newspapers, magazines and college catalogs.  Databases covering health issues and literary criticism are also available.  We also offer free Internet access.  Ask at the main desk regarding our Internet policy.

History of the Library: The original Ulysses Philomathic* Library, a private association, was formed in 1811. Members' books were kept in Hermon Camp's store. The Library was re-established in 1935 when the north wing of the Masonic Temple was deeded to the Library.  In October of 2001 the Library moved to its present location.

*Philomathic means a "love of learning."

Gifts: Memorials and honorariums are a wonderful way to honor a special occasion or a person in your life. Please contact the Library’s Director for further details.    

Programs & Special Needs: The Library provides special programs for people of all ages. The Melvin Community Room is available upon request for area groups and agencies.  Information is available regarding the Mail-It and the NYS Talking Book & Braille Library services that are offered to the homebound and to the blind and visually handicapped.

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