Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County

The Technology Center was renamed in the Spring of 2023 for John Lovenheim. As a staunch supporter of libraries and intellectual freedom, John Lovenheim served as a member of the Rochester Public Library Board of Trustees for 19 years (including two terms as President), on the Monroe County Library System Board, and on the Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library Board.

The John Lovenheim Center for Technology and Innovation is located on the link level of the Bausch and Lomb Library Building and is one of the most heavily trafficked areas of the library. The staff assist over 500 times per year with job applications and over 400 times per year with resume creation. With over 2000 computer sessions and over 2500 hours of computer use per month, our users have embraced this department as an essential service provider of the Central Library. The John Lovenheim Center for Technology and Innovation provides access to 28 computers. Many of these computers have two keyboards, mice, and monitors to make instruction and collaboration more comfortable projects. All computers are equipped with headphones to give users access to the full range of online media in relative privacy. These headphones, generously provided by the Friends and Foundation of the Rochester Public Library, have integrated microphones, allowing users to use cloud-based voice chat services like Telegram and Facebook Messenger. The Rochester Regional Library Council provided the Rochester Public Library with an Equity Booth. This sound dampened booth provides users with a more private space to make phone calls or use voice messaging services.

Two technology-enhanced meeting rooms with seating for up to 8 persons are available.  Each room has a wall mounted large screen monitor and the John Lovenheim Center for Technology and Innovation provides a laptop for use in each room and users can bring their own devices. These rooms are ideal for online interviews and meetings. A classroom space is also available with large wall mounted monitors and provisions for 8 PCs and additional space for 8 laptops.

With staff that speak both English and Spanish, the John Lovenheim Center for Technology and Innovation can assist with basic resumes, online job applications, and email set up. The staff routinely help patrons with printing, scanning, and faxing. This staff also helps patrons navigate the basics of Microsoft Office products, frequently needed government websites, and essential sites like ID.ME. The John Lovenheim Center for Technology and Innovation has partnered with Digital Literacy, a program of Literacy Rochester. Digital Literacy provides volunteers specifically to assist individuals with operating devices, navigating the internet, and using software.

Individuals can contact a staff member at (585) 428-8460 to inquire about room availability or to schedule a tutorial, though these are usually available on a walk-in basis. Groups and organizations should contact the Meeting Room Coordinator at (585) 428-8304 to reserve a room.

Division Supervisor: Jay Osborne

• Computer access
• Printing, scanning and faxing
• Email account setup
• Resume and job application support
• Staff assistance in both English and Spanish