You’re walking down South Avenue in downtown Rochester and you see a massive, imposing stone building that looks like a fortress of knowledge. That’s the Rundel. Then, you look across the street and see a sleek, glass-heavy modern structure. That’s the Bausch & Lomb building. Together, they make up the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, and honestly, if you don't know that they are connected by an underground tunnel, you’re missing half the experience.
Most people just call it the Rochester Central Library. It’s a beast. It isn't just a place to quiet down and shush people; it’s basically the neurological center of the city's history and its future.
The Rundel Memorial Building: More Than Just Old Stone
The Rundel Memorial Building opened its doors in 1936. It’s got that classic Art Deco vibe that makes you feel like you should be wearing a fedora while browsing the stacks. Morton Wolfson and other local historians often point out how this building was a gift to the city from the estate of Morton Rundel, who was a local art dealer. He wanted a place that combined art and books. He got it.
Walk inside and look up. The ceiling in the lobby is enough to make your neck ache. But here is the thing: the Rundel is where the "heavy" stuff lives. We’re talking about the Local History & Genealogy division. If you are trying to find out if your great-great-grandfather worked at the Erie Canal or Kodak, this is where you go. They have city directories that go back to the 1800s. It’s a goldmine.
The building literally sits over a bridge. The Johnson and Seymour Race—a remnant of Rochester's milling days—runs right underneath it. You can actually hear the water sometimes if the building is quiet enough. It’s a literal bridge between the city’s industrial past and its intellectual present.
Crossing Under the Street
The Bausch & Lomb Public Library Building arrived much later, in 1997. It changed everything. It’s 215,000 square feet of "what do you need?"
You’ve got the Children’s Center on the second floor, which is legendary. It’s not just books. They have these massive toys, learning stations, and a Secret Garden. If you have kids and you haven't taken them here on a Tuesday morning, you're doing it wrong. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and it’s exactly what a library should be for a five-year-old.
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Then there is the Teen Central. This isn't your grandma's library corner. They have gaming consoles, recording equipment, and places where teens can actually hang out without being told to be quiet every five seconds. It recognizes that libraries have to evolve or die.
The Dorris Carlson Reading Garden
Hidden away like a secret level in a video game is the Reading Garden. It’s tucked between the buildings. It’s one of the few places in downtown Rochester where you can actually hear yourself think. There’s a waterfall. There’s art. Most importantly, there’s peace.
People think the library is just for checking out "The Great Gatsby" for a high school report. It’s not. It’s a job search center. It’s a place to get your taxes done. It’s where people go to use the 3D printers in the ImagineLab.
Let’s Talk About the Digital Navigation
The Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County is part of the Monroe County Library System (MCLS). This is a big deal for accessibility. Basically, if you have a library card from a tiny branch in Ogden or Pittsford, you can use it here.
They’ve leaned hard into Libby and Hoopla. You don’t even have to walk through the doors to use the library anymore, though you’d be missing out on the architecture. The digital archives are equally impressive. You can look at scanned photographs of the 1964 Rochester riots or old postcards of Ontario Beach Park from your couch. It’s weirdly addictive.
Why the Local History Division is the MVP
If you're a researcher, or just someone who likes weird stories, the second floor of the Rundel is your home. They have the "Rochester Voices" project. It’s a massive collection of primary sources—letters, diaries, and maps.
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I once spent three hours looking at old maps of the subway system that used to run under the city. It’s fascinating and a little heartbreaking to see what the city used to be. The librarians there are like detectives. They don’t just point you to a shelf; they help you piece together a narrative. They know the secrets of the Genesee River better than anyone.
Practical Realities: Parking and Safety
Let’s be real for a second. Downtown Rochester can be intimidating for some. Parking at the library used to be a headache. Now, the Court Street Garage is your best bet. It’s attached. You don't even have to go outside in the Rochester winter, which, as we know, can last until May.
Is it safe? Yeah. It’s a public space in a major city. You’ll see all walks of life. You’ll see people experiencing homelessness charging their phones. You’ll see business professionals on their lunch break. You’ll see students. It’s the most democratic space in the 585 area code.
The Arts and Literature Division
On the first floor of the Bausch & Lomb building, there is a massive sheet music collection. It’s one of the largest in a public library in the country. If you’re a musician in a local band and you need the score for an obscure 1920s jazz song, they probably have it.
They also run the "Sokol High School Literary Awards." It’s been going on for decades. They actually care about the writers in this city. They host poetry slams. They have author talks. It’s a living, breathing community center.
Misconceptions About the Library
- "It’s just for books." Wrong. You can borrow tools, GoPros, and even sewing machines at some branches, and the Central branch acts as the hub for all these specialized collections.
- "It’s outdated." Have you seen the ImagineLab? They have laser cutters and VR headsets. It’s more tech-forward than most offices.
- "You need to be a resident." Anyone can walk in and use the resources. You only need the card to take things home.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you haven't been in a while, or ever, here is how you should actually tackle the Central Library. Don't just wander aimlessly.
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First, park in the Court Street Garage and take the elevator down. Start in the Bausch & Lomb building. If you have kids, go straight to the second floor. If you don't, head to the first floor and check out the New Books section. It’s curated better than most bookstores.
Next, take the tunnel. It’s under the street. It feels like a secret passage. It leads you right into the basement of the Rundel building.
Go to the Second Floor of Rundel. Ask the librarian in the Local History section to show you one thing about your neighborhood. They will find a map or a photo from 80 years ago that will blow your mind. It makes the city feel smaller and more connected.
Finally, grab a coffee nearby and sit in the Reading Garden if the weather isn't typical Rochester grey.
The Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County isn't a relic. It’s an engine. Whether you're there for the free Wi-Fi, the deep history, or just a quiet place to hide from the snow, it's the most valuable square footage in the city. Use it.