The Monroe County Library System comprises 20 town and village locations, 10 Rochester Public Library branch locations, and the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, located in the heart of downtown Rochester.
Our libraries lend more than just books. They also offer art, museum passes, toys, games, musical instruments, and tools. They offer programming that strengthens literacy skills and community connections. Libraries also provide private access to information and support services for job seekers, entrepreneurs, in-depth researchers, and continuous learners.
A free library card allows you to access 31 Monroe County libraries and the digital library Libby, an app by OverDrive. You can borrow a VIP pass (Very Important Places), which provides discounts at area attractions, plus an Empire Pass for free access to most New York State Parks.
Central Library
Established in 1932, the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County began serving the City of Rochester in the Rundel Memorial Building in 1936. It added the Bausch & Lomb Building in 1997. A tunnel under South Avenue connects the two buildings. Library patrons can park in the Court Street Garage, which is internally connected to the Bausch & Lomb building. To avoid parking fees, present your book receipt when you exit.
Town & Village Libraries
Each of our 19 towns and villages has one library, and the Town of Wheatland oversees two village libraries: Scottsville and Mumford.
Pittsford Community Library
Established in 1803, the Pittsford Library has served the community from its current location since 2005. Pittsford is the only Monroe County library with a Starbucks. On the east side of the building, there is a reading garden where you can enjoy the morning sun, the afternoon shade, and the goings-on of canaltown life.
Ogden Farmers’ Library
Established in 1815 to serve the growing village of Spencerport, the Ogden Farmers’ Library has served the community from its current location since 1992.
Fairport Public Library
Established in 1840, the Fairport Public Library has served the community from its current location since 1978.
Parma Public Library
Established in 1891, the Parma Public Library in the Village of Hilton has served the community from its current location since 1978.
Mendon Public Library
Established in 1912, the Mendon Public Library has served the community from its current Honeoye Falls location since 2011.
Rush Public Library
Established in 1914, the Rush Public Library has served the community from its current location since 1935.
East Rochester Public Library
Established in 1922, the East Rochester Public Library has served the community from its current location since 1978.
Webster Public Library
Established in 1929, the Webster Public Library has served the community from its current location since 2016.
Scottsville Free Library
Established in 1935, the Scottsville Free Library has served the community from its original location. Along with the Mumford Branch, it is one of two libraries serving the Town of Wheatland.
Brockport-Seymour Library
Established in 1936, the Brockport-Seymour Library has served the community from its current location since 1996.
Penfield Public Library
Established in 1942, the Penfield Public Library has served the community from its current location since 1975.
Irondequoit Public Library
Established in 1947 in West Irondequoit, the Irondequoit Public Library has served the community from its current location since 2015. Before opening this combined town library, East and West Irondequoit each maintained branches close to their high schools.
Newman Riga Library
Established in 1952, the Newman Riga Library continues to serve the community from its original Churchville location.
Brighton Memorial Library
Established in 1953, the Brighton Memorial Library continues to serve the community from its original location.
Henrietta Public Library
Established in 1958, the Henrietta Public Library has served the community from its current location since 2019.
Gates Public Library
Established in 1961, the Gates Public Library has served the community from its current location since 2011.
Chili Public Library
Established in 1962, the Chili Public Library has served the community from its current location since 2021.
Greece Public Library
Established in 1963, the Greece Public Library has served the community from its current location since 2000.
Scottsville Free Library, Mumford Branch
Established in 1971, Scottsville’s Mumford branch serves the Wheatland community from its original location.
Hamlin Public Library
Established in 2000, the Hamlin Public Library has served the community from its current location since 2014.
City Branch Libraries
Each branch library serves as a center for learning and cultural engagement in its neighborhood. In addition to enriching programs for children, the library offers a variety of book clubs, musical performances, local art shows, and other special services, events, and classes.
Charlotte Branch Library
Established in 1919, the Charlotte Branch Library has served the community in its current location since 1961 from a building built in 1939.
Arnett Branch Library
Established in 1926, the Arnett Branch Library has served the community in its current location since 1984. Arnett is our first solar-powered location in the Monroe County Library System.
Monroe Branch Library
Established in 1930, the Monroe Branch Library has served the community from its original location. This branch also has a TARDIS for an elevator.
Sully Branch Library
Established in 1953, the Sully Branch Library has served the community from its original location. The 40,000-square-foot Thomas P. Ryan Jr. Community Center houses the Sully Library, Webster Community Center, and Audubon School No. 33.
Maplewood Community Library
Established in 1959, the Maplewood Community Library serves the community from its original location.
Phillis Wheatley Community Library
Established in 1971, the Phillis Wheatley Community Library serves the neighborhood from its original location. Named in honor of the first published African American woman and first published African American poet, the library is a hub for community engagement in a building designed by architect James H. Johnson.
Lyell Branch Library
Established in 1985, the Lyell Branch Library has served the community from its original location.
Frederick Douglass Community Library
Established in 1986, the Frederick Douglass Community Library has served the community from its original location. Previously named Highland Branch, it was renamed in 2016 to honor the most influential civil and human rights advocate of the 19th century who once lived where the library now stands. Read more about Douglass’ rural Rochester home.
Lincoln Branch Library
Established in 1994, the Lincoln Branch Library has served the community from its original location. Fun fact: the Lincoln Branch is home to the largest collections of books and films in Spanish in the RPL system, and many of its staff members are bi-lingual. In addition, Lincoln offers the only Toy Library in the county. You can borrow directly from the branch or look at their collection online and place a hold or transfer, just like books and other media. On top of that, they offer a 2500 sq. ft. play space for young children to interact with other children and their caregivers.
Winton Branch Library
Established in 1966, the Winton Branch Library has served the community from its original location. There is an outdoor reading garden with a meandering path and bench seating.
Find a wealth of resources online at Monroe County Library System.
If you do not currently have an account, register for an MCLS E-Card, which provides access to digital collections. Digital collections include downloadable e-books, e-audiobooks, videos, and research databases. Alternatively, with in-person registration, you’ll be able to obtain full borrowing and library use privileges. When replacing an E-Card with a full-service card, let the staff know, so they transfer OverDrive transactions to your new card.
I found this quote on the library website both funny and fitting:
“What does the word library mean to you? Does it mean a stuffy silent place where bookworms gather the dust of ages? Well, if it does, you’re sure not keeping up with the times…Snap out of it, Brother…Wake up and live! You’re missing a lot.”
May 1936 article in the Rochester Gas & Electric News, author Landis S. Smith
Google Map of Locations
Explore More
My Favorite Books About the Rochester Area
I’ve provided links to borrow these Rochester-themed books from a Monroe County Library or to purchase them online via Amazon or Bookshop.
Enjoy discounted admissions or ticket purchases at these destinations with the Monroe County Library System VIP Pass!
New & Used Bookstores Around Rochester
Books take us on a journey through time and space. If you’re looking for a new adventure, check out these bookstores around Rochester.
Unplugged and Offline: Take This Guidebook on the Road
The second edition of Day Trips Around Rochester, New York encourages offline serendipity and getting lost in the right direction.
Brewing Excellence: A Guide to Rochester’s Finest Coffee Roasters and Cafes
Rochester is well known for its robust coffee culture, with unique roasts and inviting cafes known for their sense of community.
Carnegie Libraries Around Rochester
Eight Carnegie libraries are located within a two-hour drive of Rochester; five still function as libraries, while two have been repurposed.
Kindling Community: A Guide to Finding Rochester’s Cozy Fireplaces
I’ve curated a list of spots around the city perfect for quiet reading or community engagement next to a comforting fireplace.
Little Free Libraries Around Rochester
Before heading out on your day trip, look at your bookshelf. We have dozens of public Little Free Libraries where you can donate your books.
When temperatures rise above ninety degrees for several days, we all need to find a place to cool down. Water and shade are critical.
Escape Winter: 5 Warm & Cozy Places
With tropical temperatures or cozy environments, these Rochester-area destinations offer pleasant snowy-day getaways—at least for a few hours.
What do you value most about our Monroe County libraries?
I’ve noted the year each Monroe County Library was established and acquired its most current building. Thank you to the MCLS Local Historians for helping gather that information. I think it helps emphasize the importance libraries have had throughout our history.
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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Thank you!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
I noticed all the photos of the Bausch & Lomb library are misspelled as “Bauch” and also misspelled in the text. Just thought you’d like to know.
Oh my! Thank you, jody, for taking the time to let me know. I appreciate you!!
The Lincoln Branch also houses the only Toy Library in the county!
@patriciau thank you so much for sharing! I didn’t know Lincoln was the only one! I will definitely add it.
Oops! Typo. The Winton library has been in its place since 1966 not 1996.
Awesome, fun article. Thanks!
Kathy, thank you for the correction!