City of Rochester
News Release
(Monday, Sept. 25, 2023) – Mayor Malik D. Evans joined City Council President Miguel A. Meléndez Jr. and Councilmember Michael Patterson, Northwest District, in a ribbon cutting ceremony today to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Lincoln Branch Library after a year-long renovation project.
“Today is the more than the grand re-opening of a library, it is the opening of a library this community deserves,” said Mayor Evans. “It is a library that is welcoming with programs and services that reflect the evolution of learning and understanding. It is a library that inspires hope and delivers opportunity to all the people of Rochester.”
The Lincoln Branch Library, 851 Joseph Ave., serves a population of over 33,000 people, making it the largest branch service area for the Rochester Public Library (RPL) system. The branch also hosts a Toy Library, a regional resource for families incorporating a play area, early childhood education materials, and toy and game lending; and the RPL’s largest collection of Spanish language materials. Prior to renovations, the library building’s layout and interior condition did not meet current needs for the surrounding community, lacked adequate parking, and appropriate signage and visibility.
The building entrance was redesigned as a modern, welcoming feature that promotes the presence of the library and its interaction with the community. Inside, the circulation desk and business center (which includes free fax/scan and notary services) are relocated closer to the entrance, with direct sight lines to other interior spaces. The Children’s Center was relocated to the rear of the library and adjacent to the Toy Library. The wall between the Toy Library and the new Children’s Center was removed, merging the spaces to make a large area to support programming and active play. As a result, the Toy Library now has the same operating hours as the Lincoln branch.
Lincoln Branch hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; Noon to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday; and Noon to 4 p.m., Saturday.
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News Media: For more information, contact Communications Director Barbara Pierce at Barbara.Pierce@cityofrochester.gov.
Images of the ceremony: https://cityofrochester.smugmug.com/Evans-Administration/News-and-Events/Ribbon-Cuttings/Lincoln-Library-Ribbon-Cutting/
The Administration of Mayor Malik D. Evans strives to create a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for everyone. Guided by the Administration’s Mission, Vision and Values and the principles of the “Rochester 2034” comprehensive plan, City employees are committed to providing exceptional customer service, transparent stewardship, and collaborative leadership to foster a vibrant community that empowers personal, professional and generational growth for all who live,