Library cards are free to Monroe county residents and can be used at any of the 31 locations within the Monroe County Public Library System. All locations offer summer reading programs each year as well as a variety of other free classes and events for kids of all ages. 11 of these locations have playgrounds at or nearby the library.
With my toddler, spending some time at the playground before we go into the library helps get some energy out so we can actually enjoy looking at books when we go inside. It makes the trip go smoother and feel like more of an adventure for us. I also like the added flexibility, if the kids section is a bit crowded we can always go out to the playground.
Monroe County Libraries Near Playgrounds
Brighton Memorial Library & Brighton Town Hall Playground
Brighton Town Hall playground on site is great for kids of all ages. There are some benches for seating with partial shade.
East Rochester Public Library & Edmund Lyon Park
Just a 6 minute walk (about two blocks down) to Edmund Lyon Park. There are plenty of tables and benches to sit at, a fountain and beautiful foliage to explore. The playground is great for all ages. The pirate-themed splash pad is free to all, is generally open from 10am-8pm through labor day. The public restroom is a bit of a walk from the playground but it is available throughout the day.
Greece Public Library & Kids Canyon Playground and Wild Over Water Splash Pad
Kids Canyon Playground and Wild Over Water Splash Pad on site. The Kids Canyon Playground is fenced in and great for toddler aged kids. Wild Over Water is an animal themed splash pad free to Greece residents, $5 (cash only) per child for non-residents. It is generally open from 10am-7pm.
Hamlin Public Library & Hamlin Rec Playground
Hamlin Rec Playground right next to the library is a wooden playground great for kids of all ages. There’s a public restroom outside and a cool owl mural across the parking lot from the library.
Henrietta Public Library & Veterans Memorial Park
Veterans Memorial Park on site has separate structures for different age groups. There’s a gazebo and pavilion with picnic tables and plenty of shade.
Mendon Public Library & Harry Allen Park
Harry Allen park across the street hosts events throughout the summer, with basketball courts and hiking trails along the creek. The playground is about a 5 minute walk from the library, with multiple structures for different age groups and partial shade.
Ogden Farmers Library
Small playground on site, great for younger kids. No individual swings but there is a swinging bench and partial shade.
Phillis Wheatley Community Library & Bronson Ave Playground
A community garden on site could be fun to explore with older kids. The Bronson Ave playground directly across the street has a nice little playground for kids as well as basketball courts open to the public. During the summer weeks there are sometimes food carts here.
Pittsford Community Library & Carpenter Park or Spiegel Pittsford Community Center Playground
A mostly brick, fenced-in reading garden with seating on site. There are flowers and vegetables growing. It’s about a 4 minute walk to Carpenter Park on the canal, which dosent have a playground but offers some green space for kids to run around with plenty of benches to view the water. Alternatively, just a 10 minute walk (or 2 minute drive) from the library stands the community center playground which has multiple structures for different age groups. There are picnic tables to sit at in partial shade.
Rush Public Library & Town of Rush Playground
Town of Rush Playground just around the corner from the library has slides and swings to entertain kids of all ages. You can park past the pavilion by the playground and walk over to the library.
Webster Public Library & Karpus Family Playground
About a 5 minute walk from the Webster Public Library, just behind the Town Clerks Office is the Karpus Family Playground. It’s a fenced in playground, except for the entrance, with inclusive elements for kids of all ages. There is a public restroom available by the baseball field.