Rochester Public Library District

17 hours ago

Thank you so much Rochester Elementary schools for inviting us and our friends from Pawsitive Training Zone to be part of the family literacy nights last week! And thank you Pawsitive Training Zone for bringing the delightful, furry friends for the young readers! ... See MoreSee Less

Rochester Public Library District

23 hours ago

The final round of March Book Madness is here! Who will win and be crowned our 2025 Book of the Year? Vote in person at the front desk or online here: forms.gle/nbX9HC6fUPL1gGD3A ... See MoreSee Less

Rochester Public Library District

3 days ago

Back by popular demand! If you are new to the internet or just need help deciphering all the terms, come join us for our Internet Basics Workshop! We will define basic terminology and navigate through internet browsers, search engines, and websites.💻

Join us on Wednesday, May 21st from 5:00pm-6:00pm for this free adult program! Registration is preferred, but not required. Register here: bit.ly/Spring25_Programs ... See MoreSee Less

Rochester Public Library District

5 days ago

📚 Libraries Need Your Support Now More Than Ever! 📚

A recent executive order has put the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) at risk—the only federal agency dedicated to funding libraries across the nation. Despite making up just 0.003% of the federal budget, IMLS provides critical resources that keep our libraries thriving.

❗ What does this mean for the Rochester Public Library District?
Without IMLS funding, we could see disruptions to:
🔹 IHLS Van Delivery – The service that brings books and materials from other libraries right to you.
🔹 Illinois State Library EBSCO Database – A vital resource for research, learning, and accessibility.
🔹 Per Capita Grants – Essential funding that helps improve library services and programs.

📊 Illinois Libraries by the Numbers:

📖 990 million materials checked out annually – that's 7 per resident or 23 per library cardholder!
💻 23.7 million Wi-Fi connections made in libraries, providing essential internet access.
📚 16.7 million e-books, e-audiobooks, and e-videos downloaded.
🏛️ 36.2 million visits to Illinois libraries last year alone.
👥 218,000+ library programs attended by over 4 million residents.
❌ 1 million Illinois residents lack public library services—IMLS funding helps bridge this gap.
💰 And all this is done for just $72 per person!

📢 How can you help?
✅ Share this post to spread awareness.
✅ Contact your Senators and Congress Members to express your support for library funding.

Libraries are more than just books—they’re community hubs, educational lifelines, and a gateway to opportunity. Let’s make sure they stay funded!

#SaveIMLS #SupportLibraries #RochesterPublicLibrary
American Library Association
Illinois Heartland Library System ... See MoreSee Less