The Best Library Ever in Pittsford, NY

       After living in the city, there's nothing better than zoning out with a good book, magazine, or crossword puzzle in a comfy chair and in peaceful silence. In Pittsford, NY, just minutes outside of the city of Rochester, there is a state-of-the-art library that I am obsessed with going to. Tucked away on State Street in the center of town, the library also sits beside one of my other favorite establishments, Hungry's, which I deem to be the greatest place to get a garbage plate in Rochester. That story is for another blog post, and one which I'm sure is up for great debate. There used to be a Bruegger's Bagels attached to the library during my college years, which had made it an even greater weekend hangout, but it has since closed down this past Fall. There isn't any news yet whether something new, and hopefully just as good, will open there in its place. Regardless, the library itself is a fantastic getaway worthy of the trip from downtown.

       One of the greatest features of the library is its layout. When you first walk through the doors, you will see books on sale that you can purchase in the lobby. After entering further, the next sections you will see are the newest releases as well as entire shelves and stacks of audio books, CDs, and movies. If you head straight, you will walk under a blue mosaic-lain arch into the whimsical children's room. And if you head right, you will approach comfy seats and tables at the library's newspaper and magazine room. The windows in this room reach up so high; you could feel so relaxed reading a magazine or doing a puzzle with occasional glances out at the sky or at passersby.



       As an avid reader of YA books, the best part of this library is the Teens and Young Adult section upstairs. As you climb the gorgeous platformed center staircase and head left, you will be under what I can describe as a canopy of aurora lights. Whoever decided to install this light structure in the ceiling of this room is a genius and I would very much like to meet them! The cool-toned colors in this light change with a subtle ease, giving this area an inspired and creative mood. The plethora of YA books are located on the right side, and as you head back into the room, there are tucked-away places and cubbies to sit and read or study. This is my favorite spot to pick out a new favorite series, or to just read a bunch of covers to add to my growing list of books to read next!



       If you are looking for a more open place to study, as you head further left of the staircase you will approach table upon table of study spaces as well as a computer area that any library patron may use. I have yet to try a computer here, but it appeared as though many people come to use that resource as most of the computers were occupied. I imagine it is very handy if you need to type or research something, but also if you need to separate yourself away from the distractions of home or college. Not a single one of the study tables appeared to be in use, so I can discern that they would be a great, more private area to get some of that peaceful quietness.



       Since I am, as I said, a YA book-hungry weirdo, I actually had never ventured to the right of the staircase. To my wondrous surprise, through the rows of more adult books, there was a cute area to sit with comfortable chairs and, of course, a stunning fireplace. How many libraries do you know of have a running fireplace that you can sit by? In my exploration, two men were sitting with newspapers by the fire, so I will have to come again and experience the fireplace area for myself when it is less occupied.

       My second favorite feature of this library are its semi annual book sales. I love to collect antique books from the 19th century, so I always try to hit this sale when it comes around. Pittsford is a very historic Erie Canal town, and thus brimming with old books for me to snag. The sale also offers books of all different categories, including YA, historical and political nonfiction, biographies, cookbooks, skill and language books, and so much more. The sale lasts for three days in May, and again in October, with members-only entry on Friday and public entry on Saturday. On the last day, Sunday, the books are half priced and the final hour is a fill-a-bag for $3 special. This year's May sale begins on Friday, May 5th and ends on Sunday, May 7th. For me, the prime time to go is early on Sunday morning. Surprisingly, there are always still antique and YA books available on the final day, and they all are half priced as a bonus!

The library is located at 24 State Street in Pittsford, NY, and its hours are Monday through Thursday 9am to 9pm, Friday from 9am to 6pm, Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. My favorite time to visit is during the week from 7pm until 9pm because it is super peaceful and quiet. You can follow the Pittsford Library on Facebook to get updates on their events. There are tons of things to get out and do in Spring at the Pittsford library, including easy and unique crafts, music performances, book discussions of every genre, and much more listed on their calendar. Thank you for reading my library review, keep an eye out for more articles like this by following my Twitter or my Instagram for post updates! All opinions and pictures are my own.

UPDATE: I have been informed that, in fact, Starbucks Coffee will be moving in next door to the library!