The Rochester Regional Library Council has announced the winners of their Library of the Year contest, and the Irondequoit Public Library has been crowned the “Public Library of the Year” for 2018!
We couldn’t have won without the amazing submissions from our patrons, and you can click the “Read More” link to see some of our favorites.
The RRLC asked, “Why do you love your library?” Our patrons answered…
The Irondequoit Library, my library, not only provides me with reading material but provided a warm place for me to stay during a storm when the power at my home was out. To my surprise, they also fed me a hot lunch in a comfortable setting. I have enjoyed concerts, informative meetings, art shows and a craft room at my library. The staff shares their love of the written word in conversations at the check out desk. History displays educate us on life in our town in earlier years. Children enjoy their reading and playing space and teens have their own room. Research is done on computers using programs we can’t all afford to buy. Computer skills are taught by the young to older generations. Lots of love in action is present in my library, the Irondequoit library.
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I love the Irondequoit Library because it is so many things to so many people! Of course I take out books, yet there is so much more happening at our library. I go to meetings there for several community groups that have found it hard to meet at other places. The different size meeting rooms make it easy to meet with a group, or with just 1 or 2 other people. Friends whose kids need to meet with tutors find the small private study rooms a great place to take tests, go over assignments, and get coaching 1 on 1. I’ve gone to classes on a variety of topics, including travelogs, cooking techniques, crafts, and modern electronic gadgets, usually for free. The free music and arts programs every month are a real treat! The Irondequoit Art Club shows twice each year are a great way to see what local people imagine or the places they have visited.
I can’t visit the library without checking for interesting books by favorite authors or just that catch my eye in the used book store. The library computers make it easy for me to check emails while I am there and the staff is so helpful when I need to research information. I see people I know almost every time I am at the library! It is a real community center that welcomes everyone every day of the week. I love that they stay open longer hours when there are power outages and people need to have a place to stay warm and keep active with games in the quiet room or to check their emails and send responses.
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First and foremost – the staff! Everyone is so nice and friendly, no matter how busy it is. Second – the facility! It was a dream to finally merge the two former smaller libraries into this huge, beautiful single space! What a legacy Stephanie Squiccirini leaves behind as I understand she was a big force behind this major undertaking (I never knew her, just “of” her). The programs/offerings are numerous – I was so impressed when I took a tour with our garden club one evening! I have a business in town and a number of customers from outside the area ask where the town library is – I instruct them that it is nearby and they love to spend time there while I am doing an “emergency repair” so they don’t have to leave town and come all the way back. I’ve heard many say that it is the most beautiful library they’ve ever been to! Way to go Irondequoit!!
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The Irondequoit library has become so much more than a library. It has become a community center. It is a community center that welcomes everyone-whether you are a student doing research or someone who just needs a place to spend the day or you are looking for the latest book-it welcomes everyone. The staff is the most amazing staff ever. My 7 year old is on a first name basis with Ms. Amy (children’s librarian) and she loves going there. She will run to Ms. Amy to discuss the latest book she is reading or ask her for suggestions. This is why I love the Irondequoit library.
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The Irondequoit Public Library held the Made in Rochester Games Festival this past fall, and it was such an overwhelmingly positive experience for myself and my team, who got to show our game there. It was the first of many events we would attend, but the wonderful setup meant that we were able to have a wonderful start to this game’s career, and have since found so much success. The event was such a hit, and without it, I don’t know that we’d be doing as well as we are today. What a wonderful way to involve and support the community!
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I love the Irondequiot Library because they always have a great selection of titles available, including recent releases, their staff is always ready to lend a hand and assist, the over all environment is so hospitable and welcoming you never feel like an outsider. Studying here is perfect it’s never too loud, the teen section has private computers and gaming consoles to entertain kids. It’s just the ideal library and I couldn’t ask for more.
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Our library is the gathering place for our community. It is beautiful and has space for people of all ages and needs. I especially love the quiet room with puzzles and a fireplace! Not only that, but our library helps to take care of our community. During last year’s windstorms they opened up their doors to be a warming location for people without power. They had food and entertainment and really helped keep people’s spirits up. One of the reasons I don’t want to move is because of my library!
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I love Irondequoit Public library because it is the hub of our community. Not only is it very well stocked with books and other media, it is also a place for people of all ages to socialize, with book clubs and other group activities taking place. During the wind storm in 2017 it also served as place where people that had lost power could go and get warmth and food. Without fail the staff are all helpful and friendly and I always feel welcome there.
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I love Irondequoit Public library because it is the hub of our community. Not only is it very well stocked with books and other media, it is also a place for people of all ages to socialize, with book clubs and other group activities taking place. During the wind storm in 2017 it also served as place where people that had lost power could go and get warmth and food. Without fail the staff are all helpful and friendly and I always feel welcome there.
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I love Irondequoit Public Library because of the great staff who are always ready to help. I volunteered on a project last year and was wonderfully recognized for it, they treat their volunteers great. This library is also a meeting place and event venue for the community. After last year’s wind storm they opened the library to the community as a safe place to access the internet, I was there doing just that since I had no service at home. They were so kind to offer pizza to the clients there who had no power. The building is magnificent and will serve our community for decades to come, so glad it was built! Please choose this library since it so much to offer not just Irondequoit, but all who come from the greater Rochester area. Thank you very much.
Published on May 7, 2018.
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