Rochester Public Library
🏢 Rochester Public Library · Rochester, Minnesota
Rochester Public Library
Rochester Public Library serves Minnesota's fourth-largest city from its downtown location at 101 2nd Street SE, earning a National Medal for Library Service in recognition of its community-centered programming and commitment to inclusion.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 101 2nd Street SE, ROCHESTER, MN 55904
Phone: +1-507-328-2300
Website: rplmn.org
Plus Code: 86P92GCQ+PW (ROCHESTER, MN)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Rochester Public Library
Rochester Public Library has been a cornerstone of civic life in the city that is home to Mayo Clinic, serving a diverse and internationally connected community of nearly 125,000 residents. The library's mission — 'Build Connections. Cultivate Inclusion. Inspire Possibilities.' — reflects a strong emphasis on equitable access, with materials and programs available in multiple languages. RPL is a National Medal for Library Service recipient, one of the highest honors a U.S. library can receive, awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The library's Square Foot Gallery offers rotating exhibitions by local artists, making the building a cultural destination beyond its collections. RPL also operates a Bookmobile that extends services to neighborhoods and community events throughout the Rochester area.
⭐ What makes this library special
- National Medal for Library Service recipient — among the nation's most honored public libraries
- Square Foot Gallery showcasing rotating works by Rochester-area artists
- Seed library offering free vegetable and flower seeds for community gardeners
- Community passes providing free or discounted admission to regional museums and cultural sites
- Bookmobile outreach extending service to neighborhoods across the Rochester area
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Your free RPL card connects you to Minnesota's statewide digital library and a full suite of digital platforms:
📚 Services
- Free library card for Rochester and Olmsted County residents
- Seed library (free vegetable, herb, and flower seeds)
- Community passes for museums and cultural venues
- Municipal ID card services
- Study and meeting rooms
- Public computers, WiFi, printing & scanning
- Interlibrary loans
- Genealogy and family history research resources
- Homework help and tutoring programs
- Bookmobile outreach services
🎸 Programs
- Storytime and early literacy programs for babies and toddlers
- After-school activities and reading challenges for kids
- Teen programs and homework support
- Book clubs for adults including Book Group in a Bag kits
- Genealogy and family history workshops
- Reading challenges and adult literacy initiatives
- Square Foot Gallery rotating art exhibitions
- Volunteer opportunities and Friends of the Library
📍 Nearby Libraries in Southeast Minnesota
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in ROCHESTER · Browse all Minnesota libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rochester Public Library offer museum passes?
Yes — RPL's Community Passes program provides free or reduced-price admission to regional museums and cultural attractions. Check the library's website or ask at the desk for current participating venues and availability.
What is the Square Foot Gallery at Rochester Public Library?
The Square Foot Gallery is a rotating exhibition space inside the library that showcases artwork by local and regional artists. Exhibitions change throughout the year and are free to view during regular library hours.
Can I borrow seeds from Rochester Public Library?
Yes — RPL operates a seed library where cardholders can borrow packets of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds for free. Seeds are available while supplies last each growing season.
How do I get a Rochester Public Library card?
Rochester and Olmsted County residents can apply for a free library card in person at the library (101 2nd Street SE) with a photo ID and proof of current address. Cards give immediate access to all physical and digital collections.
📜 This library has genealogy & local-history resources. See how library family-history research works and find other libraries with genealogy collections genealogy libraries by state.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
📅 This library has meeting & community rooms. See how library meeting rooms work — booking, policies and fees — and find other libraries with meeting or community rooms meeting rooms by state.
🌱 This library has a seed library. See how library seed libraries work — borrow free seeds, grow them, and save some to return — and find other libraries with a seed library seed libraries by state.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.
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