Extension/Outreach services

Coordinated Outreach Services

AboutServicesCollection

About the Extension/Outreach Department

The Monroe County Library System (MCLS) Outreach Department brings library resources to under-served members of our community through programs and services. Whether individuals are in their homes, skilled nursing facilities, rehab centers, or institutionalized settings, we deliver the library experience.

Our target populations include:

  • Older adults
  • People with visual, physical, learning, or developmental disabilities
  • People living in institutionalized settings
  • People who are educationally disadvantaged
  • People who are unemployed or underemployed
  • Members of ethnic or minority groups in need of special services
  • People who are geographically isolated
  • At-risk youth

Division Supervisor: Maren Kyle

Hours:  Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00

Phone: (585) 428-8311 & (585) 428-8312

Email: Extension@libraryweb.org

Extension/Outreach Department Services

In-home Library Service
If you reside in Monroe County and love to read but you’re unable to get to the library, you may qualify for the Outreach Department’s in-home library service for homebound individuals.

Are you ready to apply?

  • Apply online
  • Download and print an application
  • Call and request an application by mail

For more information about the program or if you need assistance with the application process, call 585-428-8311 or email Maren.Kyle@libraryweb.org.

Micro Collection Lending Program
The Outreach Department loans micro collections of books, audiobooks on CD, and DVDs free-of-charge to senior living agencies (senior apartments, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes) in Monroe County for eight-week cycles. We select materials for your site based on the reading interests of your residents, box them up, and deliver them to the entrance of your facility. In exchange, partnering sites identify a staff member or team of volunteers to manage communications with Outreach Department staff, help facilitate materials exchanges, and monitor loans.

Corrections Support
The Outreach Department receives County Jail Interinstitutional Aid to purchase educational and recreational reading materials for the Monroe County Jail. In addition, Outreach staff collaborate with the Educational Coordinator to provide presentations and information to incarcerated individuals about library and reentry services.

“Making Moves” Reentry Resources and Support
Outreach Department staff maintain a selective listing of Rochester area reentry resources and mail these out by request to incarcerated individuals. The Making Moves reentry resources can also be accessed here.

Community Outreach
We love to get out into the community! The Outreach Department is thrilled to provide outreach to community organizations serving our target populations. Common outreach requests include:

  • Tabling/distributing information about library services and programs at community events – request library outreach for an event
  • Books by Bike
  • Presentations about library services
  • Short story discussions and book club support
  • Tours of the Central Library

Talking Book and Braille Library
The New York State Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) is a free library service for eligible residents of upstate New York who are unable to use standard print materials due to a visual, physical or reading disability. Materials are mailed to and from library patrons at their homes at no charge. Books can also be downloaded directly to a tablet or smartphone. The TBBL collection includes Braille books, audiobooks, and over 70 magazine subscriptions.

TBBL Services Available from the Outreach Department: As a sub lending agency, the Outreach Department provides applications and informational outreach to Monroe County residents, and can exchange a patron’s nonworking Digital Book Player for a functioning machine.

TBBL Contact Information: 1-800-342-3688 or tbbl@nysed.gov. The phone line is staffed Monday through Friday between 9:00am-4:30pm, or you can leave a message anytime with your question/request and they will call you back. See the TBBL website for more information.

Extension/Outreach Department Collection

The Outreach Department develops and maintains its own collection comprised of:

Outreach Services are partially funded by Coordinated Outreach Library Services aid from the New York State Education Department, administered by the State Library’s Division of Library Development, and the Friends and Foundation of the Rochester Public Library.