The Arnett Branch Library will be closed Friday, Oct. 10th for staff training. All RPL libraries will be closed Monday, Oct. 13th for Indigenous Peoples Day.
The Arnett Branch Library will be closed Friday, Oct. 10th for staff training. All RPL libraries will be closed Monday, Oct. 13th for Indigenous Peoples Day.
We invite artists to enter the 2025 Art of the Book & Paper Juried International Exhibit. Submissions are being accepted through May 16
Join us Thursday, October 16 from 5 – 6:30 PM at the Central Library for this informal discussion group to get an up close and personal look at the artwork included in the Art of the Book & Paper exhibit currently on display in the Anthony Mascioli Gallery.
Welcome to the Archive of Black History & Culture (ABHC): The (ABHC) will serve as a physical and digital educational resource for the residents of the Greater Rochester community to learn about the rich experiences and contributions made by members of Rochester’s Black population. Our community-curated archive will document history that has happened, and history as it happens!
Stop over to the Central Library and see the Art of the Book and Paper Exhibition on the first floor of the Rundel Memorial Building. This year we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the exhibit.
Cool off this summer with an iced beverage and a slice of fresh Online Author Talks. Visit the registration pages to learn more and submit questions for our authors!
Join our community of enthusiastic supporters and help propel the Central Library Liberators esports team to new heights! By becoming a dedicated supporter, you’ll play a crucial role in our journey towards achieving monthly income and sustaining our team’s success. How to Become a Dedicated Supporter:1. Create a Twitch Account: Sign up on Twitch if […]
Want something new to read but having a hard time picking something out without browsing the stacks? Come pick up a prepared book pack! Lincoln staff have created packs of 3-5 books and DVDs all focused on the same theme.
The Arnett Branch Library book spines mural has been expanded!
The Monroe County Library System is proud to offer Empire Passes for New York State Parks, which allow users to borrow free admission passes to hundreds of New York State Parks. The Empire Pass is your ticket to the great outdoors! Swim, hike, fish, play–it’s all free!
The Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County loans out mobile hotspots for free!
The Brownbag Book Discussion Group meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 12-1 pm in the Kusler-Cox Auditorium on the 3rd floor of the Rundel Building. In addition, there is a Zoom Brownbag discussion of the same book on the Friday following the Wednesday meeting, also from 12-1 pm.
Did you know that the Central Library is a Federal Depository Library, providing access to thousands of Government documents to the public? In the past we have maintained print copies of this collection. Now you can access the basic collection of this program digitally.
The Arts & Literature divisions are seeking to expand public program offerings. We are looking for in-person programming for both lecture and interactive craft-type programing, including artists in residence. Programs in a series are welcome, as are seasonal programs.
CAURD licensees are the first retail dispensaries to open for legal adult-use cannabis sales in New York State, establishing businesses owned by justice-involved individuals at the bedrock of New York’s adult-use cannabis market. CAURD licensees are positioned to make New York’s first legal cannabis sales before the end of 2022, speeding the delivery of investments into communities across New York State that were impacted by the disproportionate enforcement of cannabis prohibition.
The Central Library doesn’t just want you to read about science, we want you to experience science! Our Hands on Science collection allows you to explore many areas of science and technology, including astronomy, robotics, health, and more!
We are excited to launch the new 2023-24 season of our Very Important Places program. This year’s program features 14 museums, theatres, and historical places around the Rochester area.
Attention all young climate enthusiasts in grades 6-12! You are invited to join a free 5-week Climate Change Data Literacy Program hosted by the Rochester Public Library.
Visit Rochester Public Library locations this summer and collect all 6 of our teen-created stickers!
Interested in starting a new crafting hobby, but you want to try it before you buy it? You can now check out crafting kits at the Central Library!
In a hurry? No time for your regular visit to the library? Try curbside pickup at your favorite branch!
All branches of the Rochester Public Library offer curbside pickup during open hours. Call ahead, request your items, schedule a pickup time, grab your materials and be on your way.
The curbside pickup request form is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Explore our list of recommended library resources to help de-stress and re-charge this holiday season (just in time for 2022!), courtesy of the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County NY staff.
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.
Libraries today are very different than those you might remember from your childhood, even if that “childhood” occurred in this century! Sure, libraries still provide the traditional books, movies, music, and magazines, but Rochester’s libraries offer much more than you think. Did you know that you can borrow all these things from our libraries?
Whether you’re new to family history or an old pro, our genealogy staff and resources can help you track down your long-lost ancestors.
Join the Central Library eSports team The Liberators for a series of video game tournaments. In person participation is open to those 18 and under.
Rochester City residents can now enjoy complimentary 72 hours of full off-site access to the New York Times at NYTimes.com through the Rochester Public Library. Learn How…
Rochester Public Libraries are excited to announce the eliminations of daily fines for all ages on all RPL-owned materials
Got lunch plans??? Leave the lunch or office, and head to the Central Library to check out the new Foodlink Community Cafe, open Monday – Friday 11 am – 3 pm!
This unique, “pay-what-you-can / pay-it-forward” concept is staffed by current Foodlink career fellowship apprentices and offers a delicious variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, snacks, and more.
Learn to Knit during the month of February
Yoko, a doll from Nagasaki, Japan, joins the George Cooper Doll collection at the Central Library in honor of a 91 year Friendship Doll exchange between Japan and the United States.
Udemy is now available to all City of Rochester residents via the RPL website. Udemy is Gale’s version of a Lynda.com resource with many video courses on many topics including, Finance & Accounting, Leadership & Management, Personal Development, Cloud Computing, Data Science, Design, and MORE!
The Central Library Art’s, Music and Recreation division now has games that you can check out from the library.
Did you know the library has thousands of ebooks and audiobooks?
You can borrow them, instantly, for free, using just the device in your hand.
Get access to OverDrive’s Libby App for FREE on your mobile devices and start reading.
Learn more about the world of science with our new “Hands on Science Kits” available now in the Science & History Division.
Health Central has partnered with the University of Rochester School of Medicine to be a location for students in the Community Health Improvement Course. All fourth year students must take the course and spend one month at various agencies in the community.
Discover original letters, documents, photographs, works of art, ephemera, and more that shed light on Rochester’s history.
The Job Information Center (JIC) has a comprehensive collection of materials designed for people who are exploring careers and seeking employment. Its specialized resources include reference and circulating materials.
Writers & Books is partnering with select RPL Branches to proved free, week-long afternoon camps, for ages 8-13.
RPL showcases a virtual author talk series each month featuring bestselling, award-winning, and highly acclaimed authors from around the world.
The Rochester Public Library is proud to now offer the NEW online language learning service, Pronunciator, to our City of Rochester patrons.
Learn to Code using Python Programming Language: Workshop Series at the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County
The Rochester Public Library envisions a city where all residents live rich and fulfilling lives, in part due to their relationships with the library. Public art is one way the library has chosen to engage the Rochester community, both visually and through imagination and voice.
The place to go for interesting stories on local history and genealogy topics, as well as news and fun facts about the department and its collections.
Enjoy the magic of books in LOTE (Languages Other Than English).
The Carlson Patent & Trademark Center helps entrepreneurs save money and time when starting a new business or developing new ideas.
Check out the latest updates on the Maplewood Community Library Expansion project and find information about their temporary location.
Starting May 1, 2024, Monroe County Library System has introduced automatic renewals. Now, eligible items will automatically renew with a courtesy notice sent via email to let you know which items you have checked out have been renewed.
Are you getting ready to take a Civil Service Exam in May or June? The Science, History & Social Sciences Division at the Central Library is now offering new test preparation e-books that can be borrowed through Overdrive for these exams! Over 100 test preparation e-books are available to borrow with your library card.
Presented in partnership with driving-tests.org, The Rochester Public Library can now provide access to Car, motorcycle, and CDL practice tests and handbooks.
Free public webinars to read through and discuss the new regulations.
The Rochester Public Library is proud to be a community partner with POV, the award-winning PBS documentary film series. Since 1988, POV (a cinema term for “point of view”) has sponsored over 500 independently produced non-fiction films which have aired on PBS networks across the country.
Looking for your next great read? How about a must-watch DVD? Our librarians are here to help!
Email one of our librarians to receive personalized recommendations on what to read or watch next. Due to current COVID related shortened work schedules, the librarian you contact will be in touch as soon as possible.
The Rochester Public Library has been an affiliate of the National Raising A Reader Program since 2012. Raising A Reader has become central to the services RPL offers families because of the positive impact on our community.
Join our friends from Nazareth College each Monday & Wednesday in April and discover a new book and activities each week!
City of Rochester residents with an MCLS library card can now access our Local History & Genealogy databases from home–for free!
The Local History & Genealogy Division is home to the offices of the Rochester and Monroe County historians and the Monroe County Historical Archives.
A place for K-12 students (and adults, too!) to learn about the past through the stories of Rochesterians who experienced it first-hand. Access primary sources online!
This series of free monthly programs featuring talks on a variety of Rochester-related topics are presented by the Local History & Genealogy Division from 1:00 to 2:30 pm every third Saturday of the month from September through May.
In Rochester, access to opportunity and information is more important than ever. The Branch Facilities and Operations Master Plan provides recommendations and strategies that will position RPL to become one of the most pioneering library systems in the country when it comes to equity.
The Rochester Public Library (RPL) is seeking a high-energy, experienced library leader for the position of Deputy Director of Community Libraries. Apply online with the City of Rochester by November 30th
Explore what’s available for teens at the Branch and Central libraries.
It may be small, but a library card packs a mighty punch. Borrow museum passes, musical instruments, and even tools from your library’s collection. Take part in engaging programs like book clubs, movie nights, crafting classes, and lectures. Access technology, Wi-Fi, and career resources to support your goals, whether you’re a student, job seeker, entrepreneur, or lifelong learner. It’s one card with endless possibilities!
It’s never been easier to find out what’s going on at the Central Library! Use this link to sign up for an electronic newsletter with upcoming events, new library services, recommended reading, and more. You’ll receive monthly library news delivered right to your email inbox!
Free workshops and events for small business.
Spring into a new book and support your local library by purchasing a “new to you book” from one of the many book sales happening at the local public libraries. See a full list of book sales happening near you HERE.
A tutor is here to help people prepare to take the high school equivalency exam on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
The Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County will be partnering with Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope (CASH) and the New York State Department of Taxation & Finance Facilitated Self Assistance (FSA) Tax Assistance Program to provide Individual tax filing assistance to the community. Each program has a different set of qualifications to receive assistance so please check out both programs below to see which one is best for you.
The Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County is proud to, once again, be a hosting venue for the 2025 ESL Rochester Fringe Festival with more new and exciting shows, Tuesday, September 9 – Saturday, September 20, 2025.
Check out the Education Collection in the Business & Social Sciences Division
Are you a representative of a nonprofit organization and new to funding research? Learn how the resources of the Grants Resource Center at the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County can help you become a more effective grant seeker.
Get even more support with trademark and patent assistance in the NEW Patent Virtual Assistance Program in the Chester F. Carlson Patent & Trademark Center at the Central Library’s Business Insight Center
Thinking of starting a business? Not sure where to start? The Small Business Resource Center of the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County collection contains materials on all aspects of starting and running a small business.
Imagine a place filled to the ceiling with thousands of toys of every variety, a veritable Wonka’s Factory of playthings. Imagine your children freely exploring this seemingly endless collection and then walking away with armloads of new toys. Imagine that it’s completely free.
Considering the recent challenging events that have gripped the nation and ushered in a new era of reckoning, a diverse team of librarians and staff collaborated to curate this collection of print and digital materials to serve as an educational resource for the community.
Research, create, and collaborate! We offer free access to modern equipment and technology to help you bring your local history and genealogy projects to life.
If you’re a Rochester, NY area resident: We want your self-published zines for the Library’s Zine Collection! Whether you’re new to the medium, an established zinester, or somewhere in between, submit a copy of your work to the Library.
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