Pittsford Community Library

About Us:

The mission of the Pittsford Community Library is to meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs of the community. Its collections, programs, technology, services and staff are available in a warm and welcoming environment.

Overlooking the historic Erie Canal, the library is an inviting place to read, study, meet friends, attend fabulous programs, or just relax. You can find books and movies to entertain and educate. The Children’s Library and the Teen Place provide warm, welcoming spaces filled with materials especially for children and teens. Computers and free Wi-Fi provide easy access to the Internet, online databases, and electronic resources. Ask any of our knowledgeable librarians for assistance with your research or material needs; they are always ready to help.

History:

Pittsford Community Library has deep roots as a public library that focuses on the needs and interests of the community it serves. In 1803, Ezra Patterson and forty-four subscribers established the Northfield Library Company. Little is known about a second library, called the Pittsford Social Library, other than its existence in 1834. School district library number six was established in 1852, with Thomas Gillam as ‘Libraryan.’ Historical records show a 120-person patron list. The Pittsford Community Library was founded in 1920, and chartered by the State of New York in 1924.

The library has been housed in several locations throughout the Village of Pittsford, beginning with the Thomas block at the Four Corners. The library was housed for a time in the offices of Dr. Carpenter at 17 Monroe Avenue, now home to Historic Pittsford. Next, the library was housed at a former private residence at 21 North Main Street. Mrs. Harold Field donated the residence in memory of her father Charles Hastings Wiltsie, its former owner. Mr. Wiltsie, a charter member of the Board of Trustees of the Rochester Public Library and its President for fifteen years, had a lifelong interest in literature.

In 1972, the Town of Pittsford purchased the former Star Market at 24 State Street and the library moved into it in 1974. In 1979, the Janes Branch of the Pittsford Community Library was opened as a limited service library. The building and its grounds were a bequest from former New York State Senator Rodney Janes.

In October 2003, the residents of the Town of Pittsford approved a Library Board Referendum for a new two-story library to be constructed at the 24 State Street site. To allow for demolition of the existing building and construction of the new building, the library was temporarily relocated to 3750 Monroe Avenue in April 2004. Construction of the new state of the art facility was completed and the library reopened on September 17, 2005.

Today, the Pittsford Community Library serves the 29,405 residents of Pittsford, and is a member of the Monroe County Library System. The 32,000 square foot facility features a two-story illuminated light well, colorful murals, a reading garden, comfortable seating areas, study rooms, public meeting space and a Bruegger’s Bagel Bakery. Library services go far beyond books. The library offers classes and programs for children, adults and seniors. In addition, the library offers a variety of technology services, including wireless Internet access, public computers and assistive technology computers. Library cardholders have access to the combined resources of all public libraries throughout Monroe County.