Rochester NY Library Hours - RPL & Monroe County Libraries
Quick Facts
- 10,000+ libraries in our database across 50+ countries
- Updated monthly with verified opening hours
- 98% accuracy rate based on user feedback
Last Updated: December 2025 | Verified by Library Hours 24 Editorial Team
Rochester, New York offers excellent library resources through the Rochester Public Library (RPL) and the broader Monroe County Library System (MCLS), which coordinates 19 member libraries. Add world-class academic libraries at the University of Rochester and RIT, and the Flower City has libraries to suit every need.
Rochester Public Library (RPL) - Main Locations
Rochester Public Library serves the City of Rochester with 11 locations, anchored by the landmark Central Library and Rundel Memorial Building complex downtown. RPL is the central library of the Monroe County Library System.
Central Library & Rundel Memorial Building
115 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604
(585) 428-8090
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Features: Local History & Genealogy Division, Art & Music Division, Science & History Division, Reynolds Media Center, beautiful Art Deco architecture
Insider Tip: The Rundel Memorial Building is an architectural treasure with stunning views of the Genesee River. The Local History Division has Rochester city directories back to 1827 and extensive photograph collections. Free parking on weekends in the garage.
Arnett Branch
310 Arnett Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14619
(585) 428-8214
| Monday - Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Features: 19th Ward location, strong children's programming, community meeting room
Charlotte Branch
3557 Lake Avenue, Rochester, NY 14612
(585) 428-8216
| Monday - Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Features: Near Lake Ontario, popular summer destination, local Charlotte history materials
Lyell Branch
956 Lyell Avenue, Rochester, NY 14606
(585) 428-8218
| Monday - Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Features: West side neighborhood hub, ESL resources, job assistance
Maplewood Branch
1111 Dewey Avenue, Rochester, NY 14613
(585) 428-8220
| Monday - Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Features: Historic 1931 Carnegie building, popular family destination, community programming
Monroe County Library System - Suburban Libraries
The Monroe County Library System coordinates 19 member libraries throughout Monroe County. Your RPL card works at all MCLS member libraries, and materials can be requested from any location.
Brighton Memorial Library
2300 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618
(585) 784-5300
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Features: One of largest suburban branches, extensive collections, popular programming
Henrietta Public Library
625 Calkins Road, Rochester, NY 14623
(585) 359-7092
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Features: Near RIT, popular student destination, extensive DVD collection
Greece Public Library
2 Vince Tofany Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14612
(585) 225-8951
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Features: Large north suburban branch, children's programming, computer lab
University Libraries in Rochester
Rochester is home to several major universities with impressive library collections. The University of Rochester's Rush Rhees Library is architecturally stunning and houses significant special collections.
University of Rochester - Rush Rhees Library
755 Library Road, Rochester, NY 14627
(585) 275-4461
| Monday - Thursday | 7:30 AM - 2:00 AM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM |
Features: Iconic tower with river views, Rare Books & Special Collections, Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, Rossell Hope Robbins Library (medieval studies)
Insider Tip: The Rush Rhees tower offers stunning views of the Genesee River. The Rare Books collection includes significant holdings in English and American literature. The library is open to the public for in-library use.
Rochester Institute of Technology - Wallace Library
90 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623
(585) 475-2562
| Monday - Thursday | 7:30 AM - 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM |
Features: Cary Graphic Arts Collection (one of finest printing history collections), technology focus, maker spaces, 24-hour study during finals
Nazareth College - Lorette Wilmot Library
4245 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618
(585) 389-2128
| Monday - Thursday | 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
Features: Education and music collections, quiet study environment, beautiful campus
St. John Fisher University - Lavery Library
3690 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618
(585) 385-8165
| Monday - Thursday | 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM |
Features: Business and education focus, community access available
Special Collections & Unique Resources
Local History & Genealogy (RPL)
The Rundel Memorial Building houses Rochester city directories from 1827, census records, vital records, and over 100,000 photographs documenting Rochester history. Staff genealogists available for research assistance.
Cary Graphic Arts Collection (RIT)
One of the world's premier collections on printing history and the graphic arts. Includes rare books, type specimens, printing equipment, and materials spanning from Gutenberg to digital printing.
Robbins Library (U of R)
The Rossell Hope Robbins Library houses one of North America's finest medieval studies collections, including manuscripts, early printed books, and extensive secondary literature on the Middle Ages.
Rochester Images (RPL)
Digital archive of historic Rochester photographs available online. Includes images of neighborhoods, businesses, events, and people from the 19th century to present.
🌸 Rochester Library Insider Tips
Discover hidden gems from the Flower City's incredible library network. Our Rochester library experts share insider knowledge for genealogists, students, designers, and families in Monroe County.
🏛️ Stunning Art Deco Architecture at Rundel
The Rundel Memorial Building is an architectural treasure with stunning views of the Genesee River. Built in 1936, this Art Deco masterpiece houses the Local History Division with Rochester city directories dating back to 1827 and over 100,000 historic photographs. FREE parking available on weekends in the garage!
🌙 Rush Rhees: Open Until 2 AM
University of Rochester's Rush Rhees Library stays open until 2 AM most weeknights during the semester. The iconic tower offers stunning views of the Genesee River. RIT's Wallace Library goes 24/7 during finals week. Henrietta Public Library is a popular off-campus study alternative near RIT.
📜 World-Class Printing History at RIT
The Cary Graphic Arts Collection at RIT is one of the world's premier collections on printing history—spanning from Gutenberg to digital. Includes rare books, type specimens, and historic printing equipment. Make an appointment in advance for hands-on access to materials you won't find anywhere else.
🧬 FREE Genealogy Research Assistance
The Local History & Genealogy Division at Rundel offers FREE staff genealogist consultations. Access Ancestry.com, census records, vital records, and newspaper archives dating to the 1800s. Rochester Images digital archive has historic photos searchable online. Book ahead for complex research queries.
🏰 Medieval Studies Treasure at U of R
The Rossell Hope Robbins Library at U of R houses one of North America's finest medieval studies collections—manuscripts, early printed books, and extensive secondary literature on the Middle Ages. Public access available by appointment. A hidden gem for history enthusiasts.
👨👩👧👦 Best Family Libraries in Monroe County
Brighton Memorial Library has award-winning children's programming—one of the largest suburban branches. All RPL branches offer story times and summer reading with prizes. The historic Carnegie-era Maplewood Branch (1931) is a family favorite with community programming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Rochester Public Library Central hours?
Rochester Public Library Central at 115 South Avenue is open Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, and Sunday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM. The Rundel Memorial Building houses special collections and offers stunning Art Deco architecture.
How do I get a Rochester library card?
Monroe County residents get free library cards by visiting any RPL or MCLS branch with photo ID and proof of address. Your card works at all 19 Monroe County Library System member libraries. Digital cards are available online for immediate eBook access.
Can I use University of Rochester library?
Rush Rhees Library at the University of Rochester is open to the public for in-library use during regular hours. The stunning building features beautiful architecture and special collections. Community library cards with checkout privileges are available.
What is the Monroe County Library System?
The Monroe County Library System (MCLS) coordinates 19 member libraries throughout Monroe County, including Rochester Public Library and suburban libraries like Brighton, Greece, and Henrietta. One library card works at all member libraries.
Which Rochester library has local history resources?
The Rochester Public Library's Local History & Genealogy Division at the Rundel Memorial Building has extensive Rochester and Monroe County historical materials, including photographs, newspapers back to the 1800s, maps, and vital records. The University of Rochester also has significant regional history collections.
Verified Info: Our team personally contacts libraries to verify hours. Data last confirmed: December 2025
Common Questions About Rochester Libraries
What time do libraries open in Rochester?
Most public libraries in Rochester open at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM on weekdays. Weekend hours typically start at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Academic and university libraries may open earlier, around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM during the semester.
Are Rochester libraries open on weekends?
Yes, most Rochester public libraries are open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday hours vary by location, with many libraries operating reduced hours (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM) or remaining closed.
Do I need a library card to visit Rochester libraries?
No, you can visit and use library facilities without a card. However, borrowing books, accessing computers, and using certain services require a free library card. Residents can get one with valid ID and proof of address.