FFRPL is supporting RPL’s new Aviation Station program through the Sully Branch Library. The program aims to inspire the next generation of aviation experts through a two-month intensive course designed for youth ages 13 to 17 years old.
Mayor Malik Evans announced the launch of the RPL Aviation Station program on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
Students will participate in an 8-session training in aviation ground operations at the Sully branch library where they will gain insight into what flight school entails, engage industry experts and aerospace professionals, tour the Frederick Douglass International Airport, get hands-on experience with a flight simulator, and will have the option to join a pilot for introductory flight lessons.
“These are great skills to learn and they really can open up the doors of opportunity for people if they apply themselves and decide if this is something that they want to do,” said Mayor Evans.
RPL GO! — Rochester Public Library’s new mobile library — offers convenient library access to hard-to-reach areas in the City of Rochester. Its home base is the Lyell Branch Library, which serves as RPL’s first hybrid branch, combining traditional onsite and mobile library services.
RPL GO! supports the Rochester Public Library’s mission to engage the community in life-long learning through equal access to information, technology, and expert staff. The vehicle holds rolling carts of library materials, programming supplies, and portable technology.
FFRPL was proud to play a minor role in this project. Along with Senator Jeremy Cooney, FFRPL co-sponsored the RIT College of Art & Design Mobile Outreach Van design project teams, who were tasked with re-imagining a modern Mobile Library concept. FFRPL also funded a set of laptops for RPL GO! Learn more
Meet Shyniesha (Shy), who has participated in the Central Library’s Raising A Reader program for 14 years!
Shy attended Tonia Burton’s “Tuesday Topics” presentation on the importance of Early Literacy (held January 14, 2025), to serve as an advocate for the Library programs.
She says her four children have all benefited from Raising a Reader and she wanted to help other parents learn about the program.
FFRPL has provided significant funding to the Children’s division and to the “Raising A Reader” program, thanks to generous support from grantors and individual donors.
“By the grace of God I walked through the doors of the Library. Now I’m seeing light. Now I’m seeing a whole different picture.” — Willie Campbell
When you meet Willie Campbell, you understand why the Library is such an important community resource. Willie is a single Dad with disabilities. He was struggling to support himself and his three children, and he knew that something needed to change.
In 2022, when Willie came to the library, it was the first time he had used a computer. Now Willie is the proud owner of Cleaning Enterprises, Inc., which serves commercial businesses. Central Library’s John Lovenheim Center for Technology and Innovation provided Willie with access to computers and computer instruction, free Internet, services such as faxing and copying, and space for him to hold meetings and conduct interviews.
FFRPL played a critical role in the creation of Central Library’s Technology Center. In FY2017-18, FFRPL raised more than $1.4 million for the Library’s “From Collections to Community” Capital Campaign, supplementing additional funds from Library, City, County and NY State partners. The final phase of the multi-year project was Central Library’s Technology Center; construction began in FY2019-20, and the Center opened (with COVID restrictions in place) early Fall 2020. The renaming and dedication of the John Lovenheim Center for Technology and Innovation was held on April 28, 2023.
Learn more about Willie Campbell’s story
Parma Public Library has new At-Home Storytime Kits that are now available for checkout.
FFRPL funded the project by a grant through the Harold Hacker Fund for the Advancement of Libraries (in partnership with the Rochester Regional Library Council/RRLC).
These items were designed for families, caregivers, and classes.
Each At-Home storytime kit includes books for read-aloud storytelling, interactive items, a storytime outline and rhyme sheet and early literacy information. The kits come packaged in convenient backpacks. Topics include shapes, opposites, things that go, pets, movements, feelings and more!
FFRPL supported a special Memory Care project at Greece Public Library, through a grant from the Harold Hacker Fund for the Advancement of Libraries (in partnership with the Rochester Regional Library Council/RRLC).
Greece area residents living with memory issues — and their care partners – now have new resources available at the Greece Public Library. The Library’s new interactive “Stay Sharp” kits include fun and engaging items to spark conversation, reminiscing, and brain activity. Learn more
Youth from the Safe to be Smart program visited Washington D.C. July 26 – 28, 2024.
The itinerary included the National Museum of African American History and Culture, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, White House, Frederick Douglass Statue at the Capitol building’s Visitor Center, Library of Congress, Howard University, and Memorials for Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr. and WWII veterans.The Safe to Be Smarttrip to D.C. was funded by Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library through generous support from donors, the Konar Foundation, and Reynolds Library. Learn more
As the Founding Sponsor of RPL’s Online Author Talks, FFRPL helps the Rochester Public Library present dozens of events with bestselling authors and thought leaders every year.More than 7,771 patrons watched the 36 online talks during the most recent Fiscal Year (July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024).See the upcoming line-up of talks and register to watch
