Learn to Use your eReader

eReader

Welcome to the Rochester Public Library!!

"Enter to Grow in Wisdom" is carved into the front of our building. Whether you enter through the library building, visit the bookmobile, or visit the library website, I encourage you to use your library to become informed, engaged, enlightened, and entertained.

A treasure trove of resources is available through the library website. Using state and local dollars and dollars from the Friends of the Rochester Public Library, we have subscriptions valued at over $250,000 per year giving access to authoritative and reliable information delivered through this web site: full-text newspapers and magazines/journals, encyclopedias, biographies, computer manuals, car repair manuals, practice tests, and downloadable video, audio and books – just to list a few. We even have online tutors available for students daily. I hope having access from any computer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, helps you in your endeavors.

The web site has detailed information about our resources, services, and programs -- from the Bookmobile to Young Adult programming.

We also have a skilled and helpful staff who are here to assist you.You may even contact them remotely through instant messaging, phone, texting (507.722.1581), or email.

Please explore our collections, experience all the library has to offer, and make suggestions for improvements. We are here for you.

Sincerely,

Audrey S. Betcher

Director

P.S. Did I mention that we also have books?

Mission Statement

The Rochester Public Library (RPL) is dedicated to providing the community with access to information, literature, and ideas.

Vision Statement

RPL will be a model of excellence in library service as perceived by its customers and the library community, with materials, hours, technology, staff and facilities that meet the needs of our changing community.

Core Values

The Rochester Public Library is committed to providing quality library service. Staff is committed to providing prompt, objective, confidential, and knowledgeable responses to requests for assistance. Staff is committed to assisting library users in finding, using, and evaluating information sources, to meeting demand for popular materials, and to making the use of the library a pleasant experience for our users. Rochester Public Library serves all users fairly and equally. \
The Rochester Public Library is committed to intellectual freedom and the need for the library collection to represent many different points of view. Library staff believe that individuals are responsible for making their own choices regarding appropriateness of materials, and that parents/guardians are responsible for the choices made for their children.
The Rochester Public Library is committed to education. Staff seek to provide service for students, teachers and independent learners, to provide learning opportunities for all members of our community, and to assist school media centers where practicable.
The Rochester Public Library is committed to providing basic library services at no charge. This includes general access to online resources. Some optional services may carry a fee. Access to library service and electronic information will not be denied because of inability to pay fees.
The Rochester Public Library respects intellectual property rights and copyright law. These legal rights may affect access to resources and remote accessibility.
The Rochester Public Library acknowledges that available public monies control our ability to fund collections, formats, staff, and technology. Staff strives to support growth within our tax supported budget and to expand the funds available through grants, contributions, and other fund sources.
The Rochester Public Library views technology as a means to the end of better library services and not an end in itself. Staff are committed to assisting and providing training and educational opportunities for those who view technology as a barrier to library use.
The Rochester Public Library honors diversity, and seeks to represent diversity in its collections, programs, services, workforce, and other areas.

Core Values Summary

RPL sets priorities for funding and management of programs, services, collections, and resources based upon the following core values:

RPL is committed to providing quality library service.
RPL serves all users fairly and equally.
RPL is committed to intellectual freedom.
RPL is committed to education.
RPL is committed to providing basic library services at no charge.
RPL respects intellectual property rights and copyright laws.
RPL acknowledges that available public funding impacts our ability to fund hardware, collections and formats.
RPL views technology as a tool to achieve better library services.
RPL honors diversity, and seeks to represent diversity in its collections, programs, services, and other areas.