The Rochester Minnesota Public Library

"Enter to Grown in Wisdom"

Carved into the front of the building, this phrase summarizes what the Rochester Public Library (RPL) is all about in Rochester MN. This can be seen in both the Mission Statement and Vision Statement of the library. The Mission Statement says that the RPL is dedicated to providing the community with access to information, literature, and ideas. In other words, access to wisdom. The Vision Statement is similar, pledging to be a model of excellence in library service as perceived by its customers and the library community. It will offer materials, hours, technology, staff and facilities that meet the needs of our changing world. In short, the RPL is a place where one can learn about practically anything, with a staff that will help to find the best way of learning for you.

The library has a huge variety of resources in its collection of print, audiovisual, and online information. Materials are able to be borrowed or remotely accessed using a Rochester Public Library, SELCO, or Minnesota library card. The card catalog is an easy and convenient way to locate materials by author, title, or subject.

More specific information can be found at the Library itself, but below is a list of the loan period for some of the items available for checkout:

- Books - 28 days/14 days if in high demand
- Children's books - 28 days
- Books on CD/Cassette - 28 days/14 days if in high demand
- Music CDs/Cassettes - 14 days/7 if in high demand
- Children's Music - 28 days
- Video Cassettes - 28 days/14 days if in high demand
- TV/Movie/Children's DVDs - 14 days/14 days if in high demand
- Nonfiction DVDs - 28 days/14 days if in high demand
- Magazines - 28 days

The library's website also offers a large amount of resources. Using dollars obtained from the state and local contributions, the Rochester Public Library has subscriptions valued at over $230,000 per year. These subscriptions give access to authoritative and reliable information in the forms of full-text newspapers, magazines/journals, encyclopedias, biographies, computer manuals, car repair manuals, practice tests, and downloadable video and books.

Detailed information regarding services and programs is also available on the website. Programs at the library are offered for a wide range of ages, covering a multitude of topics. Some examples of programs are free movie showings, Children's programs with musicians, magicians, and bedtime stories, book groups, and visiting authors. The library also offers assistance with homework, funding services, and computer use.

The public library is a place where one can learn about or get help with almost anything. It is a place with an enormous amount of resources simply waiting for someone to access it, and the best part about it is that pretty much all of the services are free. A trip to the library, with a book in mind, can be a wasted trip. Enter the building with the intent of getting lost in the selves and in the knowledge that they contain. "Enter to grow in wisdom."