Expansion and Renovation Project

The Maplewood Community Library, located in the northwest quadrant of the City of Rochester, serves a population of over 19,100. The current facility, opened in 1959, is approximately 7,550 square feet.

The Maplewood library has become a place known for welcoming and serving the community, mobilizing volunteers, staff and vendors to provide English for speakers of other languages classes, citizenship support and school readiness programs. Maplewood currently averages 5,800 visitors, 800 hours of computer use and over 30 programs offered per month.

Library expansion has been a neighborhood desire for many years and was a top recommendation from the 2018 Branch Facilities and Operations Plan conducted by urban design planners Hester Street.

The library has a small footprint, recently expanded with the purchase and demolition of 308-310 Augustine Street with the support of New York State Assemblymember Sarah Clark. Design services provided by HUNT EAS will maximize current space, expand to the south of the building, and optimize parking, safety and accessibility. This project is funded from the Federal America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and City of Rochester.

Staff and library users have been providing feedback on the internal spaces and priorities for the building since January 2023, including a children’s design committee.

Our first public meeting for community input on design will be Monday, March 27th at 7 pm at the Maplewood Public Library. If you cannot join us but wish to share your thoughts, email us at Maplewood@libraryweb.org.

Based on public input for library service priorities, design will continue through 2023, with construction and renovation in 2024. Library services will continue in the neighborhood during construction.

Please visit this page for continuing updates on this project, including additional public meeting dates as design progresses.