Gates Public Library

Public libraries are just a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips. It’s sad to say that most people think that they are a dying breed but to be honest, I don’t see them going anytime soon. For location and distance wise, this is my go to library whenever I need the latest compact disc or hardcover book that I don’t want to shell money out for.
On the downside, this is not a very big library. However, it is very open and easy to move around in both upstairs and downstairs. It’s modern on the inside with a nice color scheme and comfortable furniture to sit in if you choose to stay and read. They have a good amount of tables on the second floor for doing work in addition to a new genealogy center that let’s you use
for free… practical and cool at the same time.
Continuing with upstairs, the left side is the non-​fiction section that has books from biography’s to diet books and even war books. They have special sections by the tables that are dedicated to cars, arts & crafts, business, sports and travel. This makes it convenient for those who are looking those books and don’t have a lot of time. There are also computer terminals up there that let you access the Monroe County database to search for books and media materials that you can’t locate yourself. If you still need extra help, there is an information desk where you can ask one of the librarians for assistance.
On the left side you have standard fiction materials but science fiction is separated for some reason along with adult graphic novels but it only takes up the entire back row so it isn’t hard to locate a book from there. They also have a teen section when you first enter the left area that has it’s own set of computers and tables for use. It’s a great teen section and the selection of books is updated and current to what is considered popular today.
They keep all of the new books downstairs to the left but most «new» books are from this month down back to the fall so it does take time for new books to come in but you can be guaranteed to get new books at least once a month when they arrive. What takes up the majority of the left side is the DVD’s and Blu-​Rays. This library has one of the best selections of DVD’s that I’ve seen next to the Central Library. It’s quite an extensive collection from old classics to new releases and there is a good row of Blu-ray’s to take out but you are only limited to two at a time sadly. They do have express DVD’s that are only good for two days but that is where you can get the latest releases so check every month to ensure that you can be the first to take advantage of them.
By the front is where you can view the CD’s which are each divided into the new items, rock, folk, international music, holiday, classical, pop, new age, jazz, soundtracks, country and even Christian/​gospel. They use an older system (denoted by «m» mostly) but because most are CD’s are kept in browser packs, looking through them isn’t that difficult. It’s a good selection of music and is well worth browsing in if you really want music that you can’t find online.
They have a good children’s area here too which takes up the whole right side of the library on the main level. There are plenty of toys and even iPads for kids to use in addition to an «Early Learning Center» for the younger kids filled with more toys such as puzzles, costumes, and musical instruments. Whether you need a book or not, it’s a good place for kids to relax in.
They have a decent amount of computers on the ground floor for use and a bookstore near the entrance where you can buy cheap books and magazines that are always really under five dollars. It’s cheaper than most bookstores but the selection is pretty small so your options are limited. There is sadly no self-​check out lines here but the checkout staff is friendly and they are quick and efficient so you should be in and out of there quickly given there isn’t a line backup.
With a great staff, good selection of books, wide DVD and CD selection, and overall great atmosphere, this small library is not only a useful building to take advantage of, but a wonderful addition to the Rochester suburbs. Give it a visit if you drive buy, it’s all free after all!

Recently redone in the past few years. Would like to have a self check out option though. Small library. Friendly staff and nice kid’s section

Small, books very outdated