The Monroe Country 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.
More than just books, our libraries lend items like art, museum passes, toys, games, musical instruments, and tools. They offer programming that strengthens literacy skills and community connections. Libraries provide private access to information and support services for job seekers, entrepreneurs, in-depth research, and continuous learning.
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.
Day Trips Around Rochester, New York
Best of Rochester Award-Winning Book for Best Published Literary Work of 2023.
Central Library
Established in 1932, Central Library 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 joins the two buildings together. Parking in the Court Street Garage—internally connected to the Bausch & Lomb building—is ideal for library patrons. To avoid parking fees, present your book receipt when you exit.
Town & Village Libraries
Each of our 19 towns and villages has one library, with the Town of Wheatland overseeing 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, Ogden Farmers’ Library has served the community from its current location since 1992.
Fairport Public Library
Established in 1840, Fairport Public Library has served the community from its current location since 1978.
Parma Public Library
Established in 1891, Parma Public Library in the Village of Hilton has served the community from its current location since 1978.
Mendon Public Library
Established in 1912, Mendon Public Library has served the community from its current Honeoye Falls location since 2011.
Rush Public Library
Established in 1914, Rush Public Library has served the community from its current location since 1935.
East Rochester Public Library
Established in 1922, East Rochester Public Library has served the community from its current location since 1978.
Webster Public Library
Established in 1929, Webster Public Library has served the community from its current location since 2016.
Scottsville Free Library
Established in 1935, 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, Brockport-Seymour Library has served the community from its current location since 1996.
Penfield Public Library
Established in 1942, Penfield Public Library has served the community from its current location since 1975.
Irondequoit Public Library
Established in 1947 in West Irondequoit, 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, Newman Riga Library continues to serve the community from its original Churchville location.
Brighton Memorial Library
Established in 1953, Brighton Memorial Library continues to serve the community from its original location.
Henrietta Public Library
Established in 1958, the Henrietta Library has served the community from its current location since 2019.
Gates Public Library
Established in 1961, Gates Public Library has served the community from its current location since 2011.
Chili Public Library
Established in 1962, Chili Public Library has served the community from its current location since 2021.
Greece Public Library
Established in 1963, 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 has served the community from its original location.
Hamlin Public Library
Established in 2000, 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 for their neighborhood. In addition to enriching programs for children, they offer a variety of book clubs, musical performances, local art shows, and other special services, events, and classes.
Charlotte Branch
Established in 1919, Charlotte Branch Library has served the community in its current location since 1961 from a building built in 1939.
Arnett Branch
Established in 1926, 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
Established in 1930, Monroe Branch Library has served the community from its original location. This branch also has a TARDIS for an elevator.
Sully Branch
Established in 1953, 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, Maplewood Community Library has served the community from its original location.
Phillis Wheatley Community Library
Established in 1971, Phillis Wheatley Branch Library has served the community 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
Established in 1985, Lyell Branch Library has served the community from its original location.
Frederick Douglass Community Library
Established in 1986, 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
Established in 1994, 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. Not only can you borrow directly from the branch, but you can also 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
Established in 1966, 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
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What do you value most about our Monroe County libraries?
For each Monroe County Library, I’ve noted the year they were established and acquired their 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.
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
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!