The Phillis Wheatley Community Library is an ultra-modern building designed by architect James H. Johnson. It was built in 1971 and is handicapped accessible.
The library is named for Phillis Wheatley (c. 1753 – December 5, 1784). She was the first published African-American woman and first published African-American poet. The library services a predominantly African-American population and the multicultural historic Cornhill neighborhood bordering the library.
Branch Supervisor: Lori Frankunas
33 Dr Samuel McCree Way
Rochester, NY 14608
(585) 428-8212
Bus Lines:
15
17
Monday | 11:00 am – 7:00 pm |
Tuesday | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm |
Wednesday | 11:00 am – 7:00 pm |
Thursday | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm |
Friday | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm |
Saturday | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm |
Sunday | Closed |
Open to the public for browsing, research, copying, faxing, printing, and computer access. Curbside service available during open hours. Request materials through the curbside pickup form, or call (585) 428-8212.
“Safe to Be Smart” Program – Activities and services geared toward youth from 3 – 6 pm, or after school.
Storywalk – Read and play on playful sidewalks along the way to the library entrance. Our story walk story is changed on a monthly basis with award winning stories and stories written by local school children. Storywalk is accessible even when the library is closed.
Public Food Forest Garden – The garden landscape of the library building is comprised of local edible plants and 12 raised bed giving gardens. The community is welcome to help out in the garden on Wednesdays during the growing season and to harvest what grows in the garden. For more information and events check out the Phillis Wheatley Library Public Food Forest Garden group on Facebook.
Digital Literacy – Free computer support and computer-related assistance. Learn basic computer skills and how to use Microsoft or Google products. Get assistance creating or updating your resume, applying for jobs or benefits online and much more. This service is provided by Literacy Volunteers of Rochester, Inc.
After school tutoring for children, 1st through 6th grade, is offered 2 days a week, September – June. TASC tutoring is available. Please call the library for dates and times.
The Nancy Evelyn Brandon meeting room seats 110 and is frequently used by community groups and other non-profit organizations, who may book the room for free. The room is also available to for-profit organizations, for whom a $30 fee applies. Call staff at (585) 428-8212 for additional details.
The Phillis Wheatley Community Library maintains 34 computers with Internet access for adults, young adults, and children. Printing is available from all computers, with color prints at $.50/page, and black and white at $.25 cents/page.
Show up in the library at any time to enjoy card games, board games, or PS5 gaming fun!
Navigators from the Literacy Volunteers of Rochester work at the library and provide free on-site, drop-in service to participants who require assistance with technology. The navigators are nimble, adjusting quickly to the needs of individual participants no matter what that might require. Navigators assist participants with a range of needs, from learning a new computer skill to completing an important computer-related task. https://literacyrochester.org/digital-literacy-sites-schedules/
Will we play a board game? Make a craft? Go on a scavenger hunt? Drop by after school to join the fun. For kids of all ages!
Need Help in Math or English? Need help with your homework? Homework Help will be available starting March 3rd 3pm – 4:30pm Mondays and Wednesdays
Stop in for help with your resume!
Join us for popcorn and a movie!
Feeling stuck or frustrated with your devices? Come to the Lyell Branch for Tech Class Mondays, and improve your digital skills! We can follow a structured syllabus through the DigitalLearn.org website over multiple weeks, or we can work on specific tasks you want to complete. FREE, just be sure to register with the link! Applicable to most personal devices from smartphones, tablets, and laptops! Don't have your own laptop to bring …
Join Ms. Kassie in the Children’s Room at 11:15am for story time! Intended for children ages 3-5.
Bounces, Songs, and Shakers, Oh My! Rhyme Time is a program for very young children and their grownups to nurture pre-reading skills. Babies need words every day, and they need to play with language and sounds. We will Talk, Read, Sing, and Play, which are the building blocks to being …
Will we play a board game? Make a craft? Go on a scavenger hunt? Drop by after school to join the fun. For kids of all ages!
FREE FINANCIAL LITERACY WORKSHOPS! AT THE LYELL BRANCH 956 LYELL AVENUE. DECISION MAKING GOALS, SAVINGS AND WAYS TO KEEP SAVINGS, BUDGETING AND SMART SPENDING, MANAGING DEBT AND YOUR CREDIT SCORE. YOU CAN CALL 325-5116 OR SHOW UP AT THE LYELL BRANCH.
Drop by to join our D&D club with Mr. Issac and friends! Each player will be allowed only one character to use during a single campaign. All supplies provided but must already have a character to play. Ages 7-16.
Enjoy the beautiful music of Brahms performed by The Lilac String Sextet at the Winton Branch Library. The sextet is composed of musicians from the Eastman School of Music: Qi Su and Anne-Marie Wnek, violin; Arthur Nyanfor II and Joyce Tseng, viola; and Matthew Wiest and Alex Engelhardt, cello. As part of the “Music for All” program, all ages are welcome to listen and engage with the performers. No registration is required …
Can you beat Miss Alex?
Join Ms. Kassie in the Children’s Room at 4:30pm for story time! Intended for children ages 3-5.
Navigators from the Literacy Volunteers of Rochester work at the library and provide free on-site, drop-in service to participants who require assistance with technology. The navigators are nimble, adjusting quickly to the needs of individual participants no matter what that might require. Navigators assist participants with a range of needs, from learning a new computer skill to completing an important computer-related task. https://literacyrochester.org/digital-literacy-sites-schedules/
Will we play a board game? Make a craft? Go on a scavenger hunt? Drop by after school to join the fun. For kids of all ages!
Stop by the library to spend some time reading to a therapy dog! Our furry friends love kids and stories. All ages are welcome!
Need Help in Math or English? Need help with your homework? Homework Help will be available starting March 3rd 3pm – 4:30pm Mondays and Wednesdays
Stop in for help with your resume!
Come share your enjoyment of all things yarn! We will be crocheting, but feel free to show off your knitting skills!
Build a space station!
Thursdays and Fridays at 11 am Join us for stories and songs that your youngsters will love! Registration is not required.
Bounces, Songs, and Shakers, Oh My! Rhyme Time is a program for very young children and their grownups to nurture pre-reading skills. Babies need words every day, and they need to play with language and sounds. We will Talk, Read, Sing, and Play, which are the building blocks to being …
Will we play a board game? Make a craft? Go on a scavenger hunt? Drop by after school to join the fun. For kids of all ages!
Drop by to join our D&D club with Mr. Issac and friends! Each player will be allowed only one character to use during a single campaign. All supplies provided but must already have a character to play. Ages 7-16.
Join Jennifer every Thursday at Three for half an hour of one of these fun activities: juggling, mime or drumming. Registration is not required and the whole family is welcome to participate.
Grab your knitting needles and crochet hooks, and join other crafters to work on new projects, ask for help and admire other's works. We are a friendly group with lots of laughing and friendships to be made. No registration required, just bring yourself and a project if you have one!
Create mini keepsakes of your favorite anime characters!
Thursdays and Fridays at 11 am Join us for stories and songs that your youngsters will love! Registration is not required.
Will we play a board game? Make a craft? Go on a scavenger hunt? Drop by after school to join the fun. For kids of all ages!
Stop by to play MarioKart, Super Smash Bros, Just Dance, and more!
All motorboat and personal watercraft operators, regardless of age, will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025. This 8 hour course is an introduction to the basic principles of safe and responsible boating. Students successfully completing this course earn a safe boating certificate. Students must attend both 4 hour sessions of the course. Participants must be at least 10 years old to enroll. Textbooks are provided. The course covers basic boating skills …
Dungeons & Dragons club will meet in the teen space at 12pm.
Join us in the children's room every Saturday starting at noon for Nintendo Time. Play your favorite Switch games. Every week at Charlotte!
Show up in the library at any time to enjoy card games, board games, or PS5 gaming fun!
Navigators from the Literacy Volunteers of Rochester work at the library and provide free on-site, drop-in service to participants who require assistance with technology. The navigators are nimble, adjusting quickly to the needs of individual participants no matter what that might require. Navigators assist participants with a range of needs, from learning a new computer skill to completing an important computer-related task. https://literacyrochester.org/digital-literacy-sites-schedules/
Will we play a board game? Make a craft? Go on a scavenger hunt? Drop by after school to join the fun. For kids of all ages!
Stop in for help with your resume!
Feeling stuck or frustrated with your devices? Come to the Lyell Branch for Tech Class Mondays, and improve your digital skills! We can follow a structured syllabus through the DigitalLearn.org website over multiple weeks, or we can work on specific tasks you want to complete. FREE, just be sure to register with the link! Applicable to most personal devices from smartphones, tablets, and laptops! Don't have your own laptop to bring …
Bounces, Songs, and Shakers, Oh My! Rhyme Time is a program for very young children and their grownups to nurture pre-reading skills. Babies need words every day, and they need to play with language and sounds. We will Talk, Read, Sing, and Play, which are the building blocks to being …
Will we play a board game? Make a craft? Go on a scavenger hunt? Drop by after school to join the fun. For kids of all ages!
Drop by to join our D&D club with Mr. Issac and friends! Each player will be allowed only one character to use during a single campaign. All supplies provided but must already have a character to play. Ages 7-16.
This workshop is for those who have an iOS mobile device, such as an iphone, ipad, ipod, or are considering getting one, and want to learn more about the basic functions. It will support attendees to get connected, identify common apps, and build confidence in using their device safely. Presented by Literacy Rochester. Registration required
Navigators from the Literacy Volunteers of Rochester work at the library and provide free on-site, drop-in service to participants who require assistance with technology. The navigators are nimble, adjusting quickly to the needs of individual participants no matter what that might require. Navigators assist participants with a range of needs, from learning a new computer skill to completing an important computer-related task. https://literacyrochester.org/digital-literacy-sites-schedules/
Will we play a board game? Make a craft? Go on a scavenger hunt? Drop by after school to join the fun. For kids of all ages!
Come in and bring in your phones or tablets and I'll show you how to use your gadgets. First come, first served.
Come share your enjoyment of all things yarn! We will be crocheting, but feel free to show off your knitting skills!
Roxanne Henry, an outreach specialist from the Monroe County Jury Office, will be at the library spreading the word that, "Justice starts with jury." and "Jury starts with YOU." So pop in and learn about serving on as a Monroe County Juror. Roxanne is also providing info regarding employment opportunities with the 7th Judicial District.
Thursdays and Fridays at 11 am Join us for stories and songs that your youngsters will love! Registration is not required.
Bounces, Songs, and Shakers, Oh My! Rhyme Time is a program for very young children and their grownups to nurture pre-reading skills. Babies need words every day, and they need to play with language and sounds. We will Talk, Read, Sing, and Play, which are the building blocks to being …
Will we play a board game? Make a craft? Go on a scavenger hunt? Drop by after school to join the fun. For kids of all ages!
Drop by to join our D&D club with Mr. Issac and friends! Each player will be allowed only one character to use during a single campaign. All supplies provided but must already have a character to play. Ages 7-16.
Join Jennifer every Thursday at Three for half an hour of one of these fun activities: juggling, mime or drumming. Registration is not required and the whole family is welcome to participate.
Grab your knitting needles and crochet hooks, and join other crafters to work on new projects, ask for help and admire other's works. We are a friendly group with lots of laughing and friendships to be made. No registration required, just bring yourself and a project if you have one!
Thursdays and Fridays at 11 am Join us for stories and songs that your youngsters will love! Registration is not required.
Meets monthly for 3 months. Work within a creative and supportive writing community to hone your craft and tell your story. Expect a variety of activities that will help you generate new ideas, revise existing projects, and establish effective writing practices for yourself. All levels of experience are welcome. Jen Case teaches writing workshops and leads literary discussions at libraries and senior living communities around Monroe County. She also presents with the group Women of the …
Will we play a board game? Make a craft? Go on a scavenger hunt? Drop by after school to join the fun. For kids of all ages!
Stop by to play MarioKart, Super Smash Bros, Just Dance, and more!
Just learning to read and maybe a little unsure of yourself? Come and read to a RocDog! A therapy dog is just waiting to support you.
2025 marks the 250th anniversary of author Jane Austen’s birthday. In her honor there will be a regency-era fashion show in the Winton Branch Library. Hosted by crowd-pleasing speaker Lisa Brown, live models will be wearing clothing based on designs from Jane Austen’s lifetime (1775-1817). Miss Brown’s expert and entertaining commentary is always a delight. Lisa Brown is Regional Coordinator of the Central and Western New York Region, and …
Join us for teh BYTZ Quartet and enjoy the sounds of the saxophone as you listen to music by Shumann & Bozza
Join us in the children's room every Saturday starting at noon for Nintendo Time. Play your favorite Switch games. Every week at Charlotte!
Join us for "Fighting For Our Rights: Protest, Provocation, and Action" an exploration of LGBTQIA2+ advocacy issues in Rochester's past and present. The program will consist of two panel discussions: Dialogue 1: Activism in Rochester’s History: The Topfree 7 Jenny Lloyd, Moderator Ramona Santorelli, Panelist Susan David, Panelist Dialogue 2: Activism in Rochester Today: A Call to Action Brittan Hardgers, Moderator Bess Watts, Panelist Irene Sanchez, Panelist Josie Byzek, Panelist This is an …
Come enjoy a free concert provided by the Eastman School of Music.
Charlotte Branch Library's Produce Distribution. Occurs on the First Saturday of every month until all food is distributed. Volunteers are welcome to arrive beginning at 3 p.m. to help. Produce Distribution takes place in our basement level meeting room. Jennifer Cherelin is the Produce Distribution coordinator. Please call the library with any further questions.
Navigators from the Literacy Volunteers of Rochester work at the library and provide free on-site, drop-in service to participants who require assistance with technology. The navigators are nimble, adjusting quickly to the needs of individual participants no matter what that might require. Navigators assist participants with a range of needs, from learning a new computer skill to completing an important computer-related task. https://literacyrochester.org/digital-literacy-sites-schedules/
Feeling stuck or frustrated with your devices? Come to the Lyell Branch for Tech Class Mondays, and improve your digital skills! We can follow a structured syllabus through the DigitalLearn.org website over multiple weeks, or we can work on specific tasks you want to complete. FREE, just be sure to register with the link! Applicable to most personal devices from smartphones, tablets, and laptops! Don't have your own laptop to bring …
Bounces, Songs, and Shakers, Oh My! Rhyme Time is a program for very young children and their grownups to nurture pre-reading skills. Babies need words every day, and they need to play with language and sounds. We will Talk, Read, Sing, and Play, which are the building blocks to being …
Drop by to join our D&D club with Mr. Issac and friends! Each player will be allowed only one character to use during a single campaign. All supplies provided but must already have a character to play. Ages 7-16.
Make art to keep or to donate to Rochester Contemporary Art Center’s 6X6 square art fundraiser. Each year thousands of works of art from around the world are exhibited at RoCo and sold to support this non-profit center for thoughtful contemporary art. https://roco6x6.org/about Stop by the Winton Branch Library between 4 pm and 6 pm where there will be art supplies and 6X6 inch square paper. Let your imagination …
Literacy Rochester will teach you how to create a Gmail account, how to perform basic email functions like send, receive and reply to an email, recognize and deal with spam, organize and delete emails, and search for messages. Please feel free to bring your own device to learn on. Pre-registration is required.
Learn the basics of Artificial Intelligence. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the use of technology to enable machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. AI is used in many areas, including automation, image processing, and stock trading. Space is limited and registration is required.
Navigators from the Literacy Volunteers of Rochester work at the library and provide free on-site, drop-in service to participants who require assistance with technology. The navigators are nimble, adjusting quickly to the needs of individual participants no matter what that might require. Navigators assist participants with a range of needs, from learning a new computer skill to completing an important computer-related task. https://literacyrochester.org/digital-literacy-sites-schedules/
Come in and bring in your phones or tablets and I'll show you how to use your gadgets. First come, first served.
Come share your enjoyment of all things yarn! We will be crocheting, but feel free to show off your knitting skills!
Thursdays and Fridays at 11 am Join us for stories and songs that your youngsters will love! Registration is not required.
Bounces, Songs, and Shakers, Oh My! Rhyme Time is a program for very young children and their grownups to nurture pre-reading skills. Babies need words every day, and they need to play with language and sounds. We will Talk, Read, Sing, and Play, which are the building blocks to being …
Drop by to join our D&D club with Mr. Issac and friends! Each player will be allowed only one character to use during a single campaign. All supplies provided but must already have a character to play. Ages 7-16.
Join Jennifer every Thursday at Three for half an hour of one of these fun activities: juggling, mime or drumming. Registration is not required and the whole family is welcome to participate.
Grab your knitting needles and crochet hooks, and join other crafters to work on new projects, ask for help and admire other's works. We are a friendly group with lots of laughing and friendships to be made. No registration required, just bring yourself and a project if you have one!
Stop by the library table at the senior café with your phone or other device for in-depth one-on-one assistance. We can show you how to set up new devices, troubleshoot slow phones, adjust notification settings, remove applications that slow down your system, and keep your devices secure. Please Note: This program will be held at: Senior Tech Help @ Lifespan Wolk Café, Sibley Square, 25 Franklin St
Thursdays and Fridays at 11 am Join us for stories and songs that your youngsters will love! Registration is not required.
Stop by to play MarioKart, Super Smash Bros, Just Dance, and more!
Navigators from the Literacy Volunteers of Rochester work at the library and provide free on-site, drop-in service to participants who require assistance with technology. The navigators are nimble, adjusting quickly to the needs of individual participants no matter what that might require. Navigators assist participants with a range of needs, from learning a new computer skill to completing an important computer-related task. https://literacyrochester.org/digital-literacy-sites-schedules/
Music For All is a community engagement program involving Eastman chamber music groups and local host venues around the Rochester metropolitan area. The main goal of Music For All is for various audiences and Eastman musicians to connect through a shared music experience and build meaningful relationships between the Eastman School of Music and the Rochester community.
The Dungeons & Dragons club will meet in the teen space.
Join us in the children's room every Saturday starting at noon for Nintendo Time. Play your favorite Switch games. Every week at Charlotte!
Bring nature indoors by crafting your very own macrame air plant hanger. In this class, you will learn how to build and decorate your hanging air planter. At the end of class, you will have created your very own plant hanger to take home with you! All supplies are provided, but you can bring your very own decorative accents to give your terrarium a personal touch. Space is limited. Please register.
Musical Enjoyment with Children's Songs and Sing-A-Longs! All ages welcome. No registration required.
Navigators from the Literacy Volunteers of Rochester work at the library and provide free on-site, drop-in service to participants who require assistance with technology. The navigators are nimble, adjusting quickly to the needs of individual participants no matter what that might require. Navigators assist participants with a range of needs, from learning a new computer skill to completing an important computer-related task. https://literacyrochester.org/digital-literacy-sites-schedules/
Feeling stuck or frustrated with your devices? Come to the Lyell Branch for Tech Class Mondays, and improve your digital skills! We can follow a structured syllabus through the DigitalLearn.org website over multiple weeks, or we can work on specific tasks you want to complete. FREE, just be sure to register with the link! Applicable to most personal devices from smartphones, tablets, and laptops! Don't have your own laptop to bring …
Succulents are fun, easy to grow and care for, and can be enjoyed indoors and out. Find out how to use succulents throughout your home. Registration required with active email address. You will receive email two days before the program.
Come join us for stories and the opportunity to learn about silkie chickens! You may even get to pet one!
Bounces, Songs, and Shakers, Oh My! Rhyme Time is a program for very young children and their grownups to nurture pre-reading skills. Babies need words every day, and they need to play with language and sounds. We will Talk, Read, Sing, and Play, which are the building blocks to being …
Drop by to join our D&D club with Mr. Issac and friends! Each player will be allowed only one character to use during a single campaign. All supplies provided but must already have a character to play. Ages 7-16.
2025 marks the 55th Earth Day anniversary, and we want you to help us celebrate! Join us at the Winton Branch Library on April 16, 2025, as we commemorate this momentous occasion with a program perfect for all ages. From 11:00am to 12:00pm we will learn all about renewable energy sources with the help of Scarlett Webb. Scarlett will teach us all about the wonders of wind, water, and solar energy. Then, using what we learned, we will …
Navigators from the Literacy Volunteers of Rochester work at the library and provide free on-site, drop-in service to participants who require assistance with technology. The navigators are nimble, adjusting quickly to the needs of individual participants no matter what that might require. Navigators assist participants with a range of needs, from learning a new computer skill to completing an important computer-related task. https://literacyrochester.org/digital-literacy-sites-schedules/
Come in and bring in your phones or tablets and I'll show you how to use your gadgets. First come, first served.
Stop by for a free Henna sample by Henna Rising. In the Teen Space.
Artwork For the Soul presents art abstract line art. Using lines to create shapes that are not found in the real world. Let your thoughts and emotions direct your lines. Come and discover! Lyell Library 956 Lyell Ave Rochester, NY 14606 Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 3:30pm to 6pm Register for free online
Come share your enjoyment of all things yarn! We will be crocheting, but feel free to show off your knitting skills!
Thursdays and Fridays at 11 am Join us for stories and songs that your youngsters will love! Registration is not required.
Bounces, Songs, and Shakers, Oh My! Rhyme Time is a program for very young children and their grownups to nurture pre-reading skills. Babies need words every day, and they need to play with language and sounds. We will Talk, Read, Sing, and Play, which are the building blocks to being …
Drop by to join our D&D club with Mr. Issac and friends! Each player will be allowed only one character to use during a single campaign. All supplies provided but must already have a character to play. Ages 7-16.
Join Jennifer every Thursday at Three for half an hour of one of these fun activities: juggling, mime or drumming. Registration is not required and the whole family is welcome to participate.
What’s that in the sky? It’s a bird… it’s a plane… it’s Comic Club! Join us at the Winton Branch Library for our monthly meeting of the Comic Club! On the third Thursday of every month, from 4:00pm -5:00pm kids 9 and up can gather to meet other comic lovers, discuss the club’s latest reads, and enjoy some super snacks! Our chosen book …
Grab your knitting needles and crochet hooks, and join other crafters to work on new projects, ask for help and admire other's works. We are a friendly group with lots of laughing and friendships to be made. No registration required, just bring yourself and a project if you have one!
Thursdays and Fridays at 11 am Join us for stories and songs that your youngsters will love! Registration is not required.
Stop by to play MarioKart, Super Smash Bros, Just Dance, and more!
Navigators from the Literacy Volunteers of Rochester work at the library and provide free on-site, drop-in service to participants who require assistance with technology. The navigators are nimble, adjusting quickly to the needs of individual participants no matter what that might require. Navigators assist participants with a range of needs, from learning a new computer skill to completing an important computer-related task. https://literacyrochester.org/digital-literacy-sites-schedules/
Join us in the children's room every Saturday starting at noon for Nintendo Time. Play your favorite Switch games. Every week at Charlotte!
Bring nature indoors by crafting your very own whimsical yet practical terrarium. Terrariums are the most effortless container gardens; they are easy to make and even easier to maintain! In this class, you will learn how to build and care for your terrarium. At the end of class, you will have created your very own terrarium to take home with you! All supplies are provided, but you can bring your very own decorative accents to …
Navigators from the Literacy Volunteers of Rochester work at the library and provide free on-site, drop-in service to participants who require assistance with technology. The navigators are nimble, adjusting quickly to the needs of individual participants no matter what that might require. Navigators assist participants with a range of needs, from learning a new computer skill to completing an important computer-related task. https://literacyrochester.org/digital-literacy-sites-schedules/
Feeling stuck or frustrated with your devices? Come to the Lyell Branch for Tech Class Mondays, and improve your digital skills! We can follow a structured syllabus through the DigitalLearn.org website over multiple weeks, or we can work on specific tasks you want to complete. FREE, just be sure to register with the link! Applicable to most personal devices from smartphones, tablets, and laptops! Don't have your own laptop to bring …
Bounces, Songs, and Shakers, Oh My! Rhyme Time is a program for very young children and their grownups to nurture pre-reading skills. Babies need words every day, and they need to play with language and sounds. We will Talk, Read, Sing, and Play, which are the building blocks to being …
For over 40 years the Rochester T’ai Chi Ch’uan Center has been promoting the practice of T’ai Chi for fitness and health. Learn about what T’ai Chi is and what RTCCC has to offer in this free presentation.
Drop by to join our D&D club with Mr. Issac and friends! Each player will be allowed only one character to use during a single campaign. All supplies provided but must already have a character to play. Ages 7-16.
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