Legacy Programs
Books Sandwiched In (BSI)
- FFRPL’s popular Books Sandwiched In series of book reviews has been running continuously since 1956, each Fall and Spring.
Tuesday Topics
- FFRPL’s Winter series highlights Library-specific programs, resources, and spaces.
Sokol H.S. Literary Awards
- Since 1958, FFRPL has sponsored an annual creative writing contest for Monroe County high school students.
Thematic, large-scale historical and cultural exhibitions
- FFRPL supports Central Library’s perennial large-scale exhibitions and related programming.
Annual Art of the Book & Paper International Juried show
- FFRPL has supported Central Library’s Art of the Book & Paper project since the first exhibit in 2011, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Rochester Public Library.
Special Events
Recurring Special Events
Black History Month
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- FFRPL helps support and promote the Library’s programming and resources dedicated to Black History Month each February.
RPL online Author Talks
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- Free online talks from bestselling authors and thought leaders.
- Presented by the Rochester Public Library, FFRPL and the Library Speakers Consortium.
- 5,914 patrons watched the 37 online talks during the most recent Fiscal Year (July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025)
Anthony Mascioli Rainbow Dialogues
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- FFRPL sponsors Central Library’s annual Rainbow Dialogues, community-building conversations that contextualize LGBTQ+ life in Rochester against the backdrop of local and national social justice issues.
Music in the Garden
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- FFRPL regularly sponsors a variety of concerts at Central Library’s Dorris Carlson Reading Garden.
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- FFRPL often funds and hosts one-time special events, such as author lectures and book-signings.
Community Partnerships
Rochester Children’s Book Festival and Festival-To-Go
- FFRPL has been a long-standing supporter of the Rochester Children’s Book Festival (RCBF) which historically has been held in November at Monroe Community College.
- RCBF’s free Festival-To-Go program brings the Festival to K-6 students at select Rochester City Schools each year who might not otherwise have access.
