Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library

Legacy Programs

Books Sandwiched In (BSI) (link opens new window): FFRPL’s popular Books Sandwiched In series of book reviews has been running continuously since 1956, each Fall and Spring.
Tuesday Topics (link opens new window): FFRPL’s Winter series highlights Library-specific programs, resources, and spaces.
Sokol H.S. Literary Awards (link opens new window): FFRPL has sponsored an annual creative writing contest for Monroe County high school students since 1958.

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 (link opens new window) International Juried show: FFRPL is a Founding Sponsor of Central Library’s Art of the Book & Paper exhibit. The first show was held in 2011, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Rochester Public Library.

Black History Month (link opens new window): FFRPL helps support and promote the Library’s programming and resources dedicated to Black History Month each February.
RPL online Author Talks (link opens new window): Free online talks from bestselling authors and thought leaders. Presented by the Rochester Public Library, FFRPL and the Library Speakers Consortium.
Anthony Mascioli Rainbow Dialogues (link opens new window): 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: FFRPL regularly sponsors a variety of concerts at Central Library’s Dorris Carlson Reading Garden.
Summer Reading Programs: FFRPL supports Summer Reading Programs at Central and branches.

FFRPL often funds and hosts one-time special events, such as author lectures and book-signings.

Rochester Children’s Book Festival (link opens new window): 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.
Festival-To-Go (link opens new window): 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.