The Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County consists of two buildings, the Rundel Memorial Library building, opened in 1936, and the Bausch & Lomb Public Library Building, opened in 1997. Located in the heart of Downtown Rochester, NY, at 115 South Avenue, the library offers the residents of the City and County a large collection of books, (both print and electronic) magazines, music, movies and more. In addition to its collection of materials, the Central Library provides quiet study spaces, public meeting rooms, a variety of free programs and opportunities for community engagement.
Patron Services Manager: Cynthia Dana
115 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604
(585) 428-7300
TDD: (585) 428-8023
Bus Lines:
23, 24, 45, 51, 53, 55, 83, 101, 102, 124, 145, & 155
Occasionally Bus Lines 81 & 82
| Monday | 10:00 am – 8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am – 8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Closed Saturdays from July 6, 2019 through Saturday, August 31, 2019.
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri — First floor of the Bausch & Lomb Public Library Building opens for limited service at 9 am. Teen Central hours differ, and can be viewed on the Teen Central page.
Closed Friday, October 18, 2019 for staff development.
The Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library offers a wide selection of new and used items for sale in the Library Store. Inventory includes books, CDs and DVDs, educational toys and games, and stationery and gift items. Proceeds from all sales benefit the Rochester Public Library.
Get your glitter on! We're looking for individuals, families, or organizations to create large (min. 18 inches) decorations to be hung all over the Central Library during December. The first 12 artists or organizations to submit an ornament that meets the requirements listed in our application form by November 25 will get a $10 gift certificate for the Library Store! Come back in December and take the "ornament hunt challenge." All who complete the ornament hunt ...
Book: One Giant Leap: The Impossible Mission That Flew Us to the Moon On the fiftieth anniversary of Apollo’s landing on the Moon, One Giant Leap by Charles Fishman provides the captivating and definitive behind-the-scenes account of the furious race to complete one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Reviewer: Dr. Jen Connelly, Lecturer, School of Physics and Astronomy, Rochester Institute of Technology. She will be joined by her student, Amber Dubill
Learn about what can be stored in a spreadsheet using Microsoft Excel 2016. Formula creation and cell formatting will be taught through a modifying an existing spreadsheet. Course requires knowledge of mouse use. Call 428-8020 or register online for this class. Relay call for Sign Interpreter request (2 wk. notice please.) Spanish Interpreter is available upon request.
The Library Resource Outreach Center (LROC) helps connect the homeless, or those in danger of becoming homeless, to services and resources such as: housing, food, clothing, shelter, income, case management, medical care, legal assistance, and employment. No appointment necessary.
The Library Resource Outreach Center (LROC) helps connect the homeless, or those in danger of becoming homeless, to services and resources such as: housing, food, clothing, shelter, income, case management, medical care, legal assistance, and employment. No appointment necessary.
Ashley Zhong will be here from SewGreen@Rochester to teach you the chain stitch and single crochet. Then you will put those skills to work making a simple beanie hat that can be easily customized for all sizes. These beanies can be worn all year and these skills can be used to create beanies as gifts. This class is for adults 18+ and requires registration. Please use this link to register: https://calendar.libraryweb....
Join our book discussion on Wednesday, October 16, 2019, from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM to take a deeper look into the essays of The Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater by Allana Okun. The Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater is a memoir about life truths learned through crafting. This program is in conjunction with the Crafting Democracy Exhibit on display at the Central Library and copies of the book are available to borrow for this ...
Learn about setting fonts, formatting and importing pictures through a project-based approach using Microsoft Word 2016. Course requires knowledge of mouse use. Call 428-8020 or register online for this class. Relay call for Sign Interpreter request (2 wk. notice please.) Spanish Interpreter is available upon request.
Each Thursday at noon, local poet and teacher, Kitty Jospe, selects a variety of poems for the group to read and discuss. Come experience the magic that happens when we slow down to read poetry out loud in a relaxing setting. All are invited to join this welcoming group. No poetry background is necessary - only an open mind! Free and open to the public. Brownbag lunches are welcome. No registration is necessary. For more ...
The Scary “C” Word: Cancer prevention, screening & treatment can save lives Join us for our next Got Health talk, and learn more about key cancers affecting men & women, including cancer prevention, screening (when to get screened and where to get help with screening costs), and treatment options. Our presenters are Y. Victoria Gadbois, MD, MHA Preventive Medicine Resident, URMC and Jana Darlington, MPH, Promotion, Education & Targeted Outreach ...
The Library Resource Outreach Center (LROC) helps connect the homeless, or those in danger of becoming homeless, to services and resources such as: housing, food, clothing, shelter, income, case management, medical care, legal assistance, and employment. No appointment necessary.
Does your phone “blow up” with constant notifications and ads? Learn how you can start to control when and what your phone sends in notifications to you. Bring your smartphone to class. Call 428-8020 or register online for this class. Relay call for Sign Interpreter request (2 wk. notice please.) Spanish Interpreter is available upon request.
The Volunteer Legal Services Project of Monroe County (VLSP) provides free legal help on a first come, first serve basis. The Help Center assists with completing legal forms, explains court procedures, and provides options and referrals to people facing civil legal issues. The Help Center does not provide legal advice, representation, or assistance with criminal matters. VLSP is located on Friday afternoons in LROC's space on the 3rd floor ...
Rochester Regional Health's mobile medical bus provides routine healthcare for the homeless outside the library! The doctors and other medical staff can administer primary healthcare, health assessments, substance abuse evaluations, nutrition counseling, screenings for particular diseases, and health insurance enrollment, among other things. No appoinment is necessary, so if interested, please stop by the medical bus parked on the corner of South Ave. and Broad St. from 1:00 to 4:30 pm every other Friday.
Uncanny coincidences, eerie encounters, mysterious and mystical moments—we love to hear and tell about experiences we can’t quite explain. In this three-session writing workshop, we’ll read and discuss some spooky tales and also generate and share our own fantastic stories within the safety of a welcoming environment. All levels of experience welcome. In addition to her full-time work of raising four school-age children, Jennifer Case teaches writing workshops and ...
Join us Saturdays this fall for GIRLS WHO CODE. Sign up today---Just copy and paste this: https://forms.gle/bK28mhCecasJ9Yg48 Any questions call Dennis @ 428-8152
Cuddle up with a dog and a good book! The Children’s Center of the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County is going to the dogs! Actually, the dogs are coming to the Children’s Center because they are hungry for books! Kids of all ages are invited to read a short book to these specially-trained and wonderful dogs. Research shows that the more time kids spend practicing reading aloud, the ...
This presentation discusses Claude Bragdon, the preeminent Rochester architect whose achievements left legacies throughout the City of Rochester. His 1914 New York Central passenger station drew raves nationally. While this building was sadly demolished, its exterior design using half - circles to remind on-lookers of steam engine driving wheels forms the basis of the recently completed Transportation Center. Moreover, homes that he and his partners designed can be seen today in several of Rochester’s ...
Terrarium artist Kathleen Rullo will be back here showing you how to create a cute Halloween Terrarium. This class is free and all supplies included. This class is for adults 18+ and requires registration. Register here: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/5671670
Get your glitter on! We're looking for individuals, families, or organizations to create large (min. 18 inches) decorations to be hung all over the Central Library during December. The first 12 artists or organizations to submit an ornament that meets the requirements listed in our application form by November 25 will get a $10 gift certificate for the Library Store! Come back in December and take the "ornament hunt challenge." All who complete the ornament hunt ...
Need to be checked for sexually transmitted infections (STI's)? Want it done quick? Stop by Health Central, on the 3rd Floor of the Bausch & Lomb Public Library Bldg., on the 3rd Monday of every month. The Monroe County Department of Health will be on site doing RAPID testing (just 20 minutes!), so you can get the results fast for the following infections: HIV Syphilis Hepatitis C Additional test with results by phone - ...
Whether we're penning prose or screenplays, award-winning films and TV offer much we can learn from. By studying and discussing screen clips, we'll explore how to create compelling characters, develop engaging story arcs, craft realistic dialogue, and much more - and we'll learn ways to incorporate what we learn into our own writing. This class is appropriate for all levels of writers. This class ia a four part series with classes continuing ...
Book: Doing Justice: A Prosecutor’s Thoughts on Crime, Punishment and the Rule of Law Using case histories and personal experiences, Preet Bharara, a former federal prosecutor for the Southern District of NY, outlines the thought process we need to best achieve truth and justice in our daily lives and within our society. Reviewer: Donald M. Thompson, Esq., Criminal defense attorney, Managing Partner, Easton Thompson Kasperek Shiffrin
The Library Resource Outreach Center (LROC) helps connect the homeless, or those in danger of becoming homeless, to services and resources such as: housing, food, clothing, shelter, income, case management, medical care, legal assistance, and employment. No appointment necessary.
There are a world of exercise apps you can load on your phone. We will look at the good and the bad and give you ideas to think about what would be good for you (also check with your doctor before starting an exercise routine.) Bring your smartphone to class, but not your exercise outfit. Call 428-8020 or register online for this class. Relay call for Sign Interpreter request (2 wk. notice please.) Spanish Interpreter is ...
Please join our book discussion group to discuss the novel The Witch Elm by Tana French. Our group meets on a monthly basis, reads mostly contemporary fiction, although we occasionally read non-fiction, and is always welcoming new participants. A limited number of copies of the book are available at the Circulation Desk at Central Library during the month prior to the discussion date. Free and open to the public. Brownbag lunches are welcome. Refreshments ...
Smile! Dental care is now available at the Central Library. Rochester Regional Health's mobile dental Unit is a fully functioning dental office on wheels! They can do cleanings, exams, and procedures, even if you don't have insurance.
The Library Resource Outreach Center (LROC) helps connect the homeless, or those in danger of becoming homeless, to services and resources such as: housing, food, clothing, shelter, income, case management, medical care, legal assistance, and employment. No appointment necessary.
Learn about what can be stored in a spreadsheet using Microsoft Excel 2016. Formula creation and cell formatting will be taught through modifying an existing spreadsheet. Course requires knowledge of mouse use. Call 428-8020 or register online for this class. Relay call for Sign Interpreter request (2 wk. notice please.) Spanish Interpreter is available upon request.
Since the mid '80s Sladki Doumi has been rehearsing, partying and performing at concerts, folk dances, ethnic festivals, weddings and parties. Our involvement with this music is an important part of our lives, and we are eager to invite others to enjoy it with us. In the Balkans the instrumental music, singing, dancing and celebrations are all intertwined, and this is exactly what we try to express at our performances.
Eat the Rainbow! Do you need to increase your daily fruits and veggies? Well, join us at the Central Library on Thursday, Oct. 24th as we look at the “colors of the rainbow” and the important nutrients they contain! Learn what a serving size actually looks like, and how to make half your plate fruits and vegetables. This free program will be presented by Michelle Weiler, an Eat Smart Nutrition Educator from the ...
Each Thursday at noon, local poet and teacher, Kitty Jospe, selects a variety of poems for the group to read and discuss. Come experience the magic that happens when we slow down to read poetry out loud in a relaxing setting. All are invited to join this welcoming group. No poetry background is necessary - only an open mind! Free and open to the public. Brownbag lunches are welcome. No registration is necessary. For more ...
The Library Resource Outreach Center (LROC) helps connect the homeless, or those in danger of becoming homeless, to services and resources such as: housing, food, clothing, shelter, income, case management, medical care, legal assistance, and employment. No appointment necessary.
Learn about the choices in purchasing an inexpensive tablet computer. Learn about WIFI and how to use the tablet to get on the internet. You can bring your tablet if you have one and connect it to the library’s free WIFI No prior computer experience nor personal tablet required. Call 428-8020 or register online for this class. Relay call for Sign Interpreter request (2 wk. notice please.) Spanish Interpreter is available upon request.
The Volunteer Legal Services Project of Monroe County (VLSP) provides free legal help on a first come, first serve basis. The Help Center assists with completing legal forms, explains court procedures, and provides options and referrals to people facing civil legal issues. The Help Center does not provide legal advice, representation, or assistance with criminal matters. VLSP is located on Friday afternoons in LROC's space on the 3rd floor ...
A monthly genealogy discussion group that meets the fourth Saturday of each month.
Uncanny coincidences, eerie encounters, mysterious and mystical moments—we love to hear and tell about experiences we can’t quite explain. In this three-session writing workshop, we’ll read and discuss some spooky tales and also generate and share our own fantastic stories within the safety of a welcoming environment. All levels of experience welcome. In addition to her full-time work of raising four school-age children, Jennifer Case teaches writing workshops and ...
Join us Saturdays this fall for GIRLS WHO CODE. Sign up today---Just copy and paste this: https://forms.gle/bK28mhCecasJ9Yg48 Any questions call Dennis @ 428-8152
Prepare for Halloween with some spooky movies and a gently-loved costume (one per child while supplies last)! Get in the Halloween spirit at the Children’s Center of the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County for Monster Movies & Halloween Costume Swap! Munch on some popcorn as we watch some spooky movies. Families will also be able to take home a gently-loved costume for each child while supplies last. Have a clean, ...
Join us as George Rollie Adams, author and past president and CEO of The Strong National Museum of Play, reads from his newly published, award-winning novel. South of Little Rock is a story of love, hate, fear, and courage as the residents of a small town in southern Arkansas deal with change during the Little Rock Central High School desegregation crisis of 1957. Praise for South of Little Rock includes: Winner, Next Generation Indie Book Award ...
Get your glitter on! We're looking for individuals, families, or organizations to create large (min. 18 inches) decorations to be hung all over the Central Library during December. The first 12 artists or organizations to submit an ornament that meets the requirements listed in our application form by November 25 will get a $10 gift certificate for the Library Store! Come back in December and take the "ornament hunt challenge." All who complete the ornament hunt ...
What is a journal for? Most people us it to keep a diary or vent their feelings. What if you had many more options--ways to write that would help you discover new insights, process inner conflicts, and open the door to your creativity? This three-session class will teach several approaches that will enliven your journal entries as well as nourish your other writing. All Rochester Writes programs are open to writers of all levels Anais ...
Book: A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy who Helped Win WWII Sonia Purnell’s biography Virginia Hall, American spy who worked undercover in France during World War II for Britain’s Special Operations Executive (SOE). “Fans of WWII history and women’s history will be riveted.” — Publishers Weekly Reviewer: Kitty Jospé, French teacher; French-speaking docent at the Memorial Art Gallery
Learn how to use Instagram, a picture-based social media program for your smartphone. You do not need to have the app downloaded or registered to learn the basics of this popular social media service. Come and learn about the general settings and privacy for an account. Call 428-8020 or register online for this class. Relay call for Sign Interpreter request (2 wk. notice please.) Spanish Interpreter is available upon request.
The Library Resource Outreach Center (LROC) helps connect the homeless, or those in danger of becoming homeless, to services and resources such as: housing, food, clothing, shelter, income, case management, medical care, legal assistance, and employment. No appointment necessary.
The Library Resource Outreach Center (LROC) helps connect the homeless, or those in danger of becoming homeless, to services and resources such as: housing, food, clothing, shelter, income, case management, medical care, legal assistance, and employment. No appointment necessary.
Join us as Steve Carper - future historian and local author presents his newly published book. A book signing will take place after the reading. A limited number of books will be available to purchase at the event. No registration is needed. For more information, please contact the Science, Social Science, and History Division at (585) 428 - 8110.
George Diaz Muniz is an accomplished classical guitarist who has studied with the virtuoso Flamenco guitarist, Mr. Adonis Puertas from Malaga, Spain.
Learn how to use the many features of your Smartphone. Download apps, control your settings and customize you phone to how you want to use it. Bring your own Smartphone to class and connect it to the library’s free WIFI. Call 428-8020 or register online for this class. Relay call for Sign Interpreter request (2 wk. notice please.) Spanish Interpreter is available upon request.
Each Thursday at noon, local poet and teacher, Kitty Jospe, selects a variety of poems for the group to read and discuss. Come experience the magic that happens when we slow down to read poetry out loud in a relaxing setting. All are invited to join this welcoming group. No poetry background is necessary - only an open mind! Free and open to the public. Brownbag lunches are welcome. No registration is necessary. For more ...
The Library Resource Outreach Center (LROC) helps connect the homeless, or those in danger of becoming homeless, to services and resources such as: housing, food, clothing, shelter, income, case management, medical care, legal assistance, and employment. No appointment necessary.
Learn how to use Pinterest, an image-based sharing social media program for your smartphone and computer. You do not need to be registered with Pinterest to learn the basics of this popular social media service. Come and learn about general settings and privacy for an account. Call 428-8020 or register online for this class. Relay call for Sign Interpreter request (2 wk. notice please.) Spanish Interpreter is available upon request. &...
The Volunteer Legal Services Project of Monroe County (VLSP) provides free legal help on a first come, first serve basis. The Help Center assists with completing legal forms, explains court procedures, and provides options and referrals to people facing civil legal issues. The Help Center does not provide legal advice, representation, or assistance with criminal matters. VLSP is located on Friday afternoons in LROC's space on the 3rd floor ...
Rochester Regional Health's mobile medical bus provides routine healthcare for the homeless outside the library! The doctors and other medical staff can administer primary healthcare, health assessments, substance abuse evaluations, nutrition counseling, screenings for particular diseases, and health insurance enrollment, among other things. No appoinment is necessary, so if interested, please stop by the medical bus parked on the corner of South Ave. and Broad St. from 1:00 to 4:30 pm every other Friday.
Join us for an hour of playing and singing some easy songs aimed at beginning level ukulele players. Bring a ukulele if you have one, or use one of ours on a first come, first served basis. We don't teach you how to play, but will have plenty of "how to play" handouts to get you started. Folks who just want to sing are always welcome, too!
Have you been longing to write? Do you have stories to tell? Well, it's time to make your writing desires a reality. Join us for our monthly writers' class starting in January. Let us give you space and time to write, provide group support to build your confidence, and offer expertise and direction to help you move forward. This class is for all writers - beginners as well as those more seasoned. This is ...
Join us Saturdays this fall for GIRLS WHO CODE. Sign up today---Just copy and paste this: https://forms.gle/bK28mhCecasJ9Yg48 Any questions call Dennis @ 428-8152
Ildefonso Pañero Mateos will present the challenges and astounding benefits of the Self-Retreat. Ilde has spent over twelve years in solitude, building spiritual practices and self-discovery. The techniques and experiences he will share can be applied to any personal retreat; religious or secular. Some of the topics that will be discussed include an introduction to retreats, living in the wild, mental and physical preparation, safety, gaining mental strength, building healthier relationships and joy ...
Get your glitter on! We're looking for individuals, families, or organizations to create large (min. 18 inches) decorations to be hung all over the Central Library during December. The first 12 artists or organizations to submit an ornament that meets the requirements listed in our application form by November 25 will get a $10 gift certificate for the Library Store! Come back in December and take the "ornament hunt challenge." All who complete the ornament hunt ...
Certified Health Insurance Navigators will be at libraries throughout Monroe County to assist you in enrolling for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act/New York State of Health Exchange. Open enrollment is November 1, 2019 through January 31, 2020. To qualify, you must be under the age of 65 and not be on Medicare. Make sure you bring: ID Immigration documents (if applicable) Proof of income 4 weeks of recent pay stubs (or last year's tax return if ...
What is a journal for? Most people us it to keep a diary or vent their feelings. What if you had many more options--ways to write that would help you discover new insights, process inner conflicts, and open the door to your creativity? This three-session class will teach several approaches that will enliven your journal entries as well as nourish your other writing. All Rochester Writes programs are open to writers of all levels Anais ...
Book: Separate: The Story of Plessy V. Ferguson and America’s Journey from Slavery to Segregation The Plessy case was a knife that cleaved America, and Steve Luxenberg brilliantly reveals that divide … in the battle over racial justice. Every paragraph resonates in today’s headlines.”— Walter Isaacson, author of Steve Jobs, and professor of history, Tulane Reviewer: Gary Muldoon, Attorney with the firm Kaman, Berlove, Marafioti, Jacobstein & Goldman; author ...
The Library Resource Outreach Center (LROC) helps connect the homeless, or those in danger of becoming homeless, to services and resources such as: housing, food, clothing, shelter, income, case management, medical care, legal assistance, and employment. No appointment necessary.
Are you an aspiring business owner or already own a business? Join us the first Wednesday of each month to learn business basics to help you succeed! This program is in partnership with the Small Business Development Center and the US Small Business Administration. What the heck is a franchise? Admit it. You just thought about McDonald's, didn't you? You're right, but... There are a wide variety of franchises that ...
The Library Resource Outreach Center (LROC) helps connect the homeless, or those in danger of becoming homeless, to services and resources such as: housing, food, clothing, shelter, income, case management, medical care, legal assistance, and employment. No appointment necessary.
Certified Health Insurance Navigators will be at libraries throughout Monroe County to assist you in enrolling for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act/New York State of Health Exchange. Open enrollment is November 1, 2019 through January 31, 2020. To qualify, you must be under the age of 65 and not be on Medicare. Make sure you bring: ID Immigration documents (if applicable) Proof of income 4 weeks of recent pay stubs (or last year's tax return if ...
Each Thursday at noon, local poet and teacher, Kitty Jospe, selects a variety of poems for the group to read and discuss. Come experience the magic that happens when we slow down to read poetry out loud in a relaxing setting. All are invited to join this welcoming group. No poetry background is necessary - only an open mind! Free and open to the public. Brownbag lunches are welcome. No registration is necessary. For more ...
The Library Resource Outreach Center (LROC) helps connect the homeless, or those in danger of becoming homeless, to services and resources such as: housing, food, clothing, shelter, income, case management, medical care, legal assistance, and employment. No appointment necessary.
Learn about the different types of computers you could buy and use: tablets, laptops, smartphones, and desktops. Learn about WIFI and how to use the mouse. We will use a browser to visit internet sites. No prior computer experience required. Call 428-8020 or register online for this class. Relay call for Sign Interpreter request (2 wk. notice please.) Spanish Interpreter is available upon request.
The Volunteer Legal Services Project of Monroe County (VLSP) provides free legal help on a first come, first serve basis. The Help Center assists with completing legal forms, explains court procedures, and provides options and referrals to people facing civil legal issues. The Help Center does not provide legal advice, representation, or assistance with criminal matters. VLSP is located on Friday afternoons in LROC's space on the 3rd floor ...
Calling all inventors! Whether you're a tinkerer or pursuing patents, this group provides support to those who dare to invent. Join a group of like-minded people to discuss the pros and potential pitfalls of inventing intellectual property. Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
Join us Saturdays this fall for GIRLS WHO CODE. Sign up today---Just copy and paste this: https://forms.gle/bK28mhCecasJ9Yg48 Any questions call Dennis @ 428-8152
Get your glitter on! We're looking for individuals, families, or organizations to create large (min. 18 inches) decorations to be hung all over the Central Library during December. The first 12 artists or organizations to submit an ornament that meets the requirements listed in our application form by November 25 will get a $10 gift certificate for the Library Store! Come back in December and take the "ornament hunt challenge." All who complete the ornament hunt ...
The Library Resource Outreach Center (LROC) helps connect the homeless, or those in danger of becoming homeless, to services and resources such as: housing, food, clothing, shelter, income, case management, medical care, legal assistance, and employment. No appointment necessary.
The Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County is proud to be a part of this year’s Small-Venue Rochester Biennial for Contemporary Art, “Current Seen,”. The biennial includes more than 20 exhibitions and events organized by both experienced and emerging curators spanning three generations. Current Seen supports the region’s growing contemporary art community by bringing new curatorial voices and new artists together near East Ave. and Main St., connecting audiences along these historic streets. Current Seen is on view October 4 – November 17.
The Rochester Public Library is proud to now offer the NEW online language learning service, Pronunciator, to our City of Rochester patrons.
See which authors are coming to the library for free programs and events this year.
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