About the Rochester Public Library (RPL)

Our Mission

To engage the community in life-long learning for all through equal access to information, technology, gathering spaces and expert staff.

Our Vision

Community members live rich and fulfilling lives through their relationships with the Rochester Public Library.

Our Values

Community, Learning & Knowledge, Imagination & Innovation, Diversity & Inclusiveness, and Engagement & Collaboration.

Priority #1

Education and Engagement

• Increase use and support of our libraries among our diverse populations.
• Promote learning, provide fun and deliver creative and innovative educational experiences for our diverse populations.
• Expand our visible presence in our communities.

Priority #2

Sustainability and Resources

• Create and maintain essential library relationships.
• Secure ample funding and resources.
• Demonstrate the value of our libraries to our communities.

Priority #3

Stewardship and Curation

• Develop, support and appreciate staff.
• Manage our operations and facilities responsibly and create a positive experience.
• Provide access to an evolving variety of collections, programs, services and technologies based on community needs.

RPL Senior Management Team

Emily Clasper, Director, Rochester Public Library and Monroe County Library System | 585-428-8045
Katy Hasselwander, Finance Director | 585-428-8056
Sarah Lehman, Associate Director, Central Library | 585-428-8052
BJ Scanlon, Deputy Director of Community Libraries | 585-428-8345
Geraldine Scott, Personnel Manager | 585-428-8061

Central Library

Tonia Burton, Children’s Services Consultant | 585-428-8151
Shalis Worthy, Local History Supervisor | 585-428-8368
Christine Ridarsky, Director of Historical Resources & City Historian | 585-428-8095
Jay Osborne, Reynolds Media and Technology Center Supervisor | 585-428-8462
Jennifer Byrnes, Business Insight Center Supervisor | 585-428-8102
Chad Cunningham, Circulation & Information Center Supervisor | 585-428-8165
Bob Scheffel, Sciences, History & Social Sciences Supervisor | 585-428-8358
Erin Clarke, Arts & Literature Supervisor | 585-428-8380
Shetora Banks, Teen Services Supervisor | 585-428-8152

Community Libraries

Johanna Buran, Maplewood Branch Supervisor | 585-428-8232
Dennis Williams, Lyell Branch Supervisor | 585-428-8219
Suzanne Macaulay, Lincoln Branch Supervisor | 585-428-8244
Maria Heeks-Heinlein, Sully Branch Supervisor | 585-428-8290
Catherine Kyle, Charlotte Branch Supervisor | 585-428-8236
Shalis Worthy, Frederick Douglass Branch Supervisor | 585-428-8227
Lori Frankunas, Phillis Wheatley Branch Supervisor | 585-428-8213
Mary Clare Scheg, Monroe Branch Supervisor | 585-428-8298
Ginger Brewer, Arnett Branch Supervisor | 585-428-8214
Kathy Wolf, Winton Branch Supervisor | 585-428-8240

Mailing address:
115 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604

2026 Trustees

• Donna P. Benjamin, Secretary
• Ellen Brenner, President
• Marcus Cooper
• James Kraus
• Matt McDermott, Vice President
• Sharon Salluzzo, Liaison from Reynolds Library Board
• Jean-Paul Scott
• Jeffrey Tucker
• Jessica Williams
• Mark Wyand, Treasurer
• Vacant, Liaison from Monroe County Library System Board

RPL Board Bylaws

2026 RPL Board Meeting Schedule

Unless otherwise noted, Board meetings are held on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. on the third floor of the Rundel Memorial Library Building, Central Library, 115 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604.

Board meetings are open to the public, except during Executive Session. Members of the public may address the Board of Trustees for up to three minutes at the beginning of each meeting.

To speak on an item appearing on the meeting agenda, please call 585-428-8046 or email debi.mansour@libraryweb.org by 4:00 p.m. on the day before the meeting. Please provide your name, address, organization (if applicable), and the topic you wish to address. Requests may also be submitted in person between 8:45 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on the day of the meeting.

The Library is accessible to people with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation, please call 585-428-8304 at least 10 days before the meeting.

• January 28
• February 25 — Joint Budget Meeting with Monroe County Library System Board
  March 25
• April 22
• May 27
• June 24 — Maplewood Community Library, 1111 Dewey Ave., 14613
• July – No Meeting
• August 26 — Central Library, Bausch & Lomb Public Library Building, Second Floor, B-Hive Room
• September 23 — Central Library, Bausch & Lomb Public Library Building, Second Floor, B-Hive Room
• October 28
• November 25
• December – No Meeting

The Rochester Public Library (RPL) is governed by a Board of Trustees of not less than 5 nor more than 11 members, appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Rochester City Council.