Rochester Public Library

One hundred and one years before the start of the first Free Public Library, a Social Library was founded on the 12th of March, 1792. The first book was presented by the Reverend Joseph Haven entitled The Principles of Natural and Political Law, a highly respected work at that time. More than 7,300 new books and audiovisual materials were added to the Library’s collection, with total purchases of library items for use by the public exceeding $100,000 for the first time, as the Library sought to meet increasing demand.