Libraries

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For an extensive list of area libraries of all types, see the Rochester Regional Library Council website.

Monroe County Library System

MonLib.jpgLibrary on Monroe Ave near 490, 10-2008

The Monroe County Library System consists of eleven city library branches and over twenty affiliated town libraries. The MCLS website has a full list of local branches and their current hours.

The entire collection of the Monroe County Library System can be searched online. Many libraries are now offering WiFi, and most also have public-access PCs connected to the Internet. Many local libraries have activities like story hour or author visits which are advertised on each library's website.

To use most library services, including checking out materials, requesting holds and using WiFi in some locations, a library card is required. Cards can be obtained in person at any branch. You'll need to provide proof of a Monroe County address to get a free card.

The Monroe County Central Library is the downtown branch most often associated with the City of Rochester, and the biggest of the libraries. See its own RocWiki page, as well as those for the Brighton Memorial Library, Greece Public Library, Fairport Public Library, Henrietta Public Library, Irondequoit Public Library, Pittsford Public Library, Penfield Public Library and Webster Public Library.

In recent years, funding for the libraries has been cut. This has led to staff cuts, a reduction in hours and resources, and new fees for once-free services (like holds). Public-access PCs are often fully utilized at peak times — expect to wait or reserve time in advance. Popular items like best-sellers, DVDs, videos and CDs are also usually checked out. Sometimes, a popular item may be available from another branch.

Monroe County Academic Libraries

Special Collections

Regional Libraries

Nearby library systems include [WWW]Wayne County Libraries and the [WWW]Batavia Library.

Little Free Libraries

There are a number of little free libraries throughout Rochester and the surrounding areas. They can be found by searching the map on the [WWW]Little Free Library website.