Director's Message
Public libraries in Rochester have a long and rich history. What began as subscription libraries in the early 1800s have evolved into the ten vibrant branch libraries located throughout our city neighborhoods. Our libraries are not the quiet, dark and dusty reading rooms of years gone by, but instead are filled with people of all ages coming together to explore literature through the thousands of books and magazines offered at each branch; to explore the online world through the high-speed internet connections and computers provided free of charge to our users; and to explore new cultures and ideas through the many and diverse programs offered weekly in our libraries.
In addition, the Rochester Public Library is a member of the Monroe County Library System, which means any city resident can use any public library in Monroe County. Your key to all of this is a library card. Residents of Monroe County can get a library card free of charge at any library in the county, and can use that card at any library to gain access to millions of books, magazines, music CDs, recorded books, DVDs and much more. Visit our new website at www.libraryweb.org to search the online catalog, view your library account, search for library events, and more. Get a library card and carry knowledge in your pocket!
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About the Rochester Public Library
The Rochester Public Library enriches the quality of life in Rochester and Monroe County by providing educational, recreational, aesthetic and informational materials, services, and programs to help people follow their own lines of inquiry and enlightenment.
We are proud to be a part of Mayor Robert J. Duffy's Literacy Initiative and employ Literacy Aides at several of our branch libraries to help us support his vision.