A Q&A with Audrey Betcher of the Rochester Public Library
6/4/2007Q: What would encourage someone to visit the library?
A: We have an impressive building, a great collection and a great staff. The collection increases every year. There are currently over 435,000 titles. We can provide you with access to information, literature, entertainment, culture and knowledge. We offer materials in all types of formats including books, CDs, DVDs, tapes, video tapes, newspapers, magazines, and online databases and articles. If you need a resource for information or just want to watch a film, listen to book on CD, or get a copy of a new best seller, we can help you. Our reference staff are all master degree level librarians who will provide you expert assistance in a nonjudgmental and confidential manner. For information visit or call the Reference Desk at 328-2309, email a librarian at Reference@RochesterPublicLibrary.lib.mn.us or Instant Message (IM) a question to a librarian at RPLmninfo (yahoo, aim). The library also provides access to Internet and Word processing computers.
Q: Anything special you’d like a patron to know?
A: The library is here for you; it is your local tax dollars at work.
Q: What’s the best way to get to the library on foot from downtown?
A: We’re two blocks east of Mayo down second street; across from the Civic Center and across from the government building. The library is considered part of the Avenue of the Arts – which is on 3rd Avenue/Civic Center Drive. We are in the skyway between The Galleria and the Civic Center.
Q: Where should a person park?
A: There is short-term parking on the street. You can also use the Civic Center ramp – which is attached to the library-the first hour is free. Parking on the street and in the ramps is free after 5pm and on weekends.
Q: What is one particular thing you want people to know about the library?
A: Over 90% of the community values their public library.
Q: Do you have special events?
A: Yes, we have programming on a regular basis. Look for the events calendar on our web site www.RochesterPublicLibrary.org.
We offer programming for children, teens and adults.
We have engaging programs and reading incentive programs for kids and teens. The library presents story time sessions for 3-5 year-olds, and evening Bedtime Stories for all ages. During the summer, on Wednesdays at 10 am and 1 pm, programs (special guests or films) are presented. During the school year we offer Hooray For Saturday! Family Programs @ Your Library at 10 am Saturday mornings.
The library also offers a Summer reading program and a Winter reading program which encourage reading by offering prizes and incentives for reading a certain number of hours.
There are many programs at the library for teens including Movies @ Your Library, Writing contests, Summer reading programs and many enriching programs such as jewelry making, prom makeup and screen writing workshops.
Adult programs include author talks, International and independent films, the Yaggy Colby History Lecture series and panel discussions about current events and timely topics.
Q: What are some things the library has that can’t be found everywhere?
A: The world of ideas, a beautiful view from the second floor Rotunda area. A great place to hang out.
Q: What do you provide to the community of Rochester?
A:In addition to the resources, services and programs that enrich lives here, we are also a community gathering place. We have meeting rooms that can be booked for meetings and programs and we have displays on the first floor that change on a regular basis. Any community group can book the display space to provide information to the community.
Q: What is one interesting fact about the library that more people should know?
A: In addition to the downtown library building, people can also access the library via the web and the bookmobile. If you go to www.RochesterPublicLibrary.org you can register for a library card, browse the collection, place reserves for pickup, check your account, and access a plethora of online resources such as car repair manuals, genealogy resources, practice tests, and magazines and newspaper articles. The bookmobile is a library on wheels that travels to neighborhoods throughout Olmsted County. To find the schedule and a stop near you, click on the “bookmobile” link on the website.
Q: How long has the library been in Rochester?
A: Library service began in Rochester in 1865 and the library became an officially city funded department in 1895. Olmsted County began to fund the library in 1911. The first library building was built in 1898 and was located at 2nd St and 1st Ave. In 1937 the library moved to 2nd St and 3rd Ave SW in the building that is now the Mayo Medical School’s Student Center. In 1972 the library moved to a former JC Penney’s building at the corner of Broadway and 1st St SE. The new library was built in 1995.
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