No matter the season or your child’s age, the Monroe County Library System offers endless opportunities for exploration and learning. With over 30 branch locations, families can enjoy a wide range of events and activities alongside extensive collections of books, music, and DVDs. Each library has its own unique calendar filled with programs for kids, teens, and adults — truly offering something for everyone. Below are ten standout branches that go above and beyond for families, featuring enhanced children’s areas, engaging programs, and a welcoming space for young readers.
Brighton Memorial Library
The Children’s Center at the Brighton Memorial Library truly has something for everyone: books in multiple formats, read along Wonderbooks, LaunchPad tablets preloaded with learning apps and even computers for caregivers! Families can find many resources in the Brighton Kiwanis Discovery Room. This space is designed for imaginative play and interactive learning with a number of great programs.
Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County
Did you know that the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County has a secret room, cleverly disguised as a bookshelf? Designed by an RIT student, the room features a bright play area with interactive projections, a starry night sky, and ample space for reading and storytelling. The Children’s Room is located on the second floor of the Bausch and Lomb Library Building. Yoga, story time (including bilingual events), language development events, and Lego Lab all are held in this multi-functional space. The Central Library hasn’t forgotten about teens: The gaming area is open for those who want to play video games or board games. Thanks to the Friends of the Rochester library, you can also enjoy a range of talks from bestselling authors and thought leaders regularly at the Central Library.
Charlotte Branch Library
A hidden gem in the library system is the Charlotte Branch. Located within several miles of Lake Ontario on Lake Ave, this tiny library is perfect to enjoy story time or Thursday at Three! For half an hour, join Jennifer for one of these fun activities: juggling, mime or drumming. This activity does not require any registration which means it’s a nice idea to have in your back pocket for a rainy or super hot day! Since this is an older building and set in a residential area, it has a very sweet small-town vibe.
Chili Public Library
You do not want to skip the Chili Public Library! Library pets including hamsters and hermit crabs and comfortable seating make the children’s area feel like home. One standout feature of the Chili Public Library is the SPARK Lab, the library’s own Makerspace where patrons are invited to use the equipment and materials in the communal space during open hours to create do-it-yourself projects. The Chili Library’s Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional materials you can check out with your library card! For example, if you’re considering an investment in a TonieBox, you can check one out at The Library of Things and try it out for free. There is also a 3D printer for older kids to try out themselves or submit a printing request.
Fairport Public Library
A really nice feature of the Fairport Public Library is its afternoon and weekend Storytimes. Most storytimes happen in the morning during the week so these offer an alternative for morning nappers, halfday school attendees, and working caregivers! Bright colors and inviting space provides a delightful place to share time with your child. Situated along the canal and just steps from Moonlight Creamery (featured in our Guide to Ice Cream Shops), this spot is a destination all its own. Teen Tuesdays allow your family to put a fun and educational event on the weekly calendar for your students grades 6-12.
Gelser Library
The Grada Hopeman Gelser Library is a mini branch of the Rochester Public Library, housed at The Strong National Museum of Play. The Strong is one of only a handful of museums in the nation to offer guests a circulating library. The Gelser Library specifically chooses its book selection based on its permanent and rotating exhibits. A wide range of topics and perspectives for readers from birth to adulthood is provided throughout the library. You do need admission to The Strong Museum to see the book selections. However, books checked out at the museum can be returned to any branch.
Greece Public Library
The Story Garden at the Greece Public Library is a state of the art children’s space, finished in July 2021. It combines fun with foundational learning experiences. In addition to books galore (organized by theme, age, and favorite characters), there is a blend of screen-free play and tablets to entertain children for hours. It’s fascinating to see which areas your child will gravitate towards from visit to visit. Will it be the two-story fairy tree? The market or play kitchen? The light pegboard or Magnatiles? There is so much to explore! The librarians are friendly, kind, and open to the moderate to loud noise that comes with joyful play! Bonus: The Library is located at the Greece Town Hall Campus along with Kids’ Canyon Playground and the Wild Over Water Zone Spray Park.
Mendon Public Library
Mendon Public Library offers Grab and Go Crafts (while supplies last) and several storytimes a week. However, what particularly invites visitors is a wide range of inclusive and unique events. Two Tuesdays a month, your child can interact with therapy dogs which is the perfect way for new or seasoned readers to practice reading aloud! There are musical performances, outdoor storytimes in warmer months, and Teen Tuesday Volunteers for your older children interested in making a difference with others their age. Be sure to take a look at the Events Calendar for both ongoing and special events.
Toy Library at the Lincoln Branch Library
The Toy Library serves as a valuable community resource designed to support the evolving needs of young children. It offers free access to toys and learning materials for families, caregivers, educators, therapists, social workers, and schools. Not only can you stay and play but also you can check out the Toy Catalog online and pick it up at your local branch! The Toy Library includes travel kits and summer programming, all designed to promote the “work of play”. The collection’s newest toys can be viewed in the online catalog. The Toy Library’s collection is primarily aimed at children newborn to 8 years old, but even adults might find a board game of interest.
Webster Public Library
Webster Public Library is uniquely positioned to offer a multitude of activities simultaneously because of its large footprint. There is a large Children’s room featuring a little footbridge for fairy tale reenactments, ice cream shop, and train set along with the books. The Storytime Room includes the Early Learning Center which is designed to offer educational and hands-on activities. There are often drop-in crafts designed for a wide range of ages. If your teen loves the library, the Webster Library is always seeking teen volunteers!
Ready to Find a New Favorite?
Bookmark this Kids & Family Library Page where you can find free activities for kids at one of our libraries almost every day. Many of the libraries have made it super easy to locate everything that’s happening for kids & family in one convenient location! The page also includes quick links to Kids’ E-Books & Audiobooks in Libby, Empire Passes, Very Important Places (VIP) Pass Program, and the Children’s MCLS Catalog. It’s updated regularly, and the best part is that it takes you directly to more information or registration with just one additional click.
Once your child is ready to find and check books out on their own, the library system has you covered! The Children’s Catalog uses pictures and categories to guide our youngest book lovers to their interests or finding something new to learn. Want to see the books available for check out on ladybugs? Tap the ????! Ready for the next book in a series? Find the picture of Curious George, Dogman or Ramona!
You do NOT need a library card or be a resident of the library to visit any Monroe County branches. However, you do need a library card to check out any items (toys, books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, etc). To get a card (or renew it, if you haven’t used it in 12 months), you will be required to show a form of identification to verify identity and county residence. You can do this at any branch but the Toy and Gelser Libraries.
All of these libraries need our support through usage, volunteering, and donations to stay active and available to the greater Rochester area as a free resource and location to share with our young people. Find out at each library’s website how you can be involved to support your local branch.
