Where can I park when visiting the Central Library?
There are a number of parking options. The Court Street Garage, at the corner of South Avenue and Court Street, is attached to the Central Library. Most of the streets surrounding the library offer on-street parking at meters.
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How do I sign up for a free computer class at the Central Library?
Please call 428-7300 to inquire about class times and availability.
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Does the Central Library have meeting rooms available for rent?
There are some meeting rooms available. To inquire about price and availability, please call 428-8304.
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Does the Central Library offer tours or programs for groups of adults or children?
Yes, with at least two weeks notice. For groups of grade 7 through adult, please call Central Library Administration at 428-8390.
To inquire about tours and programs for preschool through grade 6, please call the Children's Center at 428-8150.
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What is the Secret Room?
The Secret Room is part of the Children's Center. It is a room with a hidden entrance, it's used for special programs, and it houses the George W. Cooper Doll Collection. Come in to the Central Library and try to find the Secret Room!
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Can I bring my coffee and lunch into the Central Library?
Yes, food and drink are allowed in most areas except the Local History and Genealogy department. You can also purchase breakfast, lunch, and snacks at Simply Crepes cafe.
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Can I send a fax from the Central Library?
Yes, from the Computer Center on the first floor of the Rundel Memorial Building. The cost to fax within the U.S. is $1.00 per page. You cannot fax outside the U.S. and you can not receive faxes within the library.
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Where can I find the New York State Vital Records Index at the Central Library?
The New York State Vital Records Index, which lists birth, marriage and death records that were filed with New York State, is located in the Local History Division on the second floor of the Rundel Memorial Building. For more information about the index, please check the Local History and Genealogy page.
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Where can I find old newspapers at the Central Library?
The Central Library owns microfilm of Rochester newspapers dating back to 1818 as well as the New York Times dating back to September 1851. Also housed are a number of community newspapers, as well as the Wall Street Journal.
Many of the Rochester newspapers are held in the Local History Division on the second floor of the Rundel Memorial Building, located in the Northwest corner. Other items are kept in storage, and may be requested from any floor of the library that has a microfilm reader.
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How can I print from a computer at the Central Library?
You will need to purchase a Librasense card from a Librasense machine, located on each floor, or at one the Circulation Desks in either building. Copies are 20 cents per page, and the minimum amount you can put on a print card is $1.00.
Each floor of the library has a print station. Print jobs are held on the computer at that print station for 3 hours.
When you find something you want to print, press the PRINT button on the computer you are using, and follow the prompts on the screen. This will send your print job to the print station.
When you are finished using the computer, go to the print station on the same floor. Type in your library card number, and your print jobs will be listed on the screen. You may choose to print all, some, or none of the items at that point.
If you need assistance, please don't hesitate to ask library staff.
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How can I save my computer work at the Central Library?
You can use a flash drive (thumb drive) or a CD to save your work. If you do not have one, you can purchase them at the Circulation desk.
There are floppy drives on select terminals. If you can only access your saved work through a floppy disc, please see a staff person at one of the reference desks before you begin to work.
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Where can I go to type a term paper or a resume at the Central Library?
All of the Internet terminals at the Central Library also have Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, and Powerpoint available on them.
If you are a current student at a SUNY (State University of New York) college, you may also want to check out the SUNY Center in the Link Level of the Central Library. Access to those computers is with your SUNY college id.
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How long may I use a computer at the Central Library?
The maximum amount of time that you may use an Internet terminal is 90 minutes per person - per day. There is no time restriction on terminals that only allow access to the library catalog or magazine databases.
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How do I access the Internet at the Central Library?
You will need your library card, or, if you are visiting, a temporary Internet access number. To obtain a temporary Internet access number, present some form of identification at the Circulation Desk on the first floor of the Bausch and Lomb Public Library Building. A driver's license, non-driver's id, or student id are some examples of acceptable identification.
Internet terminals are available on floors 1 through 4 of the Bausch and Lomb Public Library Building and on the first floor of the Rundel Memorial Building.
If you have a library card, but have forgotten to bring it with you, just show some form of identification to the staff at the Circulation Desk and they will look up your number for you.
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How can I access the Central Library's wireless hotspots with my laptop?
Wireless Internet access is available in a number of areas in the Central Library: on the first floor of the Bausch and Lomb Public Library Building; in the Dorris Carlson Reading Garden (located behind the Bausch and Lomb Public Library Building); on the Link level; on the first floor of the Rundel Memorial Buidling; and in the Local History and Genealogy Department, located on the second floor of the Rundel Memorial Building.
No identification or password is required to access these hotspots. Look for "RPL Hotspot" under available access points on your wireless connection listing.
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How can I obtain a library card for my child at the Central Library?
A child may obtain a library card once he/she has entered kindergarten. The parent or legal guardian must sign for the card. Bring your child to the Children's Center on the second floor of the Bausch and Lomb Public Library Building to fill out a brief form and receive his/her card.
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How long can I take movies out for from the Central Library?
VHS tapes, DVDs and Blurays can be taken out for 7 days. VHS tapes can be renewed for an additional 7-day time period. DVDs and Blurays from the Central Library are not renewable for any additional period of time.
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How many movies can I take out at the Central Library?
Library patrons may rent 10 movies total with a limit of 6 DVDs or 4 DVDs and 2 Blurays per person.
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