Book Lovers Guide to Rochester, NY

Sure, bookworms always have a towering TBR, but what’s one more book? Rochester has an abundance of amazing places to find your next read! From vibrant libraries to unique indie book stores, there’s something for everyone. 

Literary Centers

Start your journey at Writers & Books in the Neighborhood of the Arts. You’ll know you’ve found the right place when you spot the iconic giant pencil outside! Their bookstore, Ampersand Books, is full of gems from many different genres, and includes a section dedicated to local authors. Check their schedule before you visit–you may be able to take a writing class or attend an author talk or book signing!

Libraries

• The Central Library downtown is an attraction in its own right! You can see beautiful architecture in the Rundel Building, read a book in the reading garden, buy used books in their store, grab a snack at the Foodlink Cafe, and even check out the Secret Room in the children’s section!

• You can also explore other libraries in the Monroe County Library System–there are 31 libraries in the system! Across the county, you’ll find cute small town libraries like Parma and Mumford and busy town libraries like Irondequoit, Henrietta, and Fairport. The libraries are always hosting great events for people of all ages, so take a peek at their online calendars before visiting. 

• Complete your library tour with a visit to the Memorial Art Gallery’s Charlotte Whitney Allen Library. It’s open to the public for browsing and research! You’ll find an abundance of books and media on topics like local artists, art history and technique, museum studies, and more. 

Indie Bookstores

Libraries are wonderful, but sometimes you just want to snag a book you don’t have to give back later! Bookeater is an indie bookstore in the South Wedge located in an old house, with a cafe on the first floor. You can find your next read and cozy up with a warm drink in a comfy chair! Right around the corner on South Ave., you’ll find Hipocampo Books, a woman and Latinx-owned children’s bookstore. They offer a variety of books that represent diverse cultures and often hold classes, readings, and book signings for the community!

Head to the quaint village of Honeoye Falls to browse at Bleak House Books. They offer an excellent selection of books in a beautiful space. In 2021, they relocated from Hong Kong to western New York and were warmly welcomed by the greater Rochester community.

Looking to check out multiple Indie Bookstores at once? Don’t miss the 2025 Rochester Book Crawl happening on August 23 at several Monroe County bookstores! 

There’s no shortage of great spots to curl up with a book in Rochester! Whether you like to read outside in the sun or inside in a cozy nook, we’ve got recommendations for you. 

Indoor Reading Spots

• Coffee and books pair perfectly. Bring a book to Neutral Ground Coffeehouse in Pittsford, Pearson’s in the Park Ave Neighborhood, or Winterswan Coffee in the Neighborhood of the Arts. It feels just like your living room–but with better coffee and pastries! 

• In the South Wedge, Equal Grounds has a lively environment and tasty coffee. Cozy up with a book and a latte for a few hours! 

• There’s something special about cozying up at a bar alone with a good cocktail and a great read. Good Luck is an excellent spot for it, with a moody atmosphere and outstanding craft cocktails. 

Outdoor Reading Spots

• Cobb’s Hill Park is beautiful during all seasons! Hang out with a book at the scenic overlook, or bring a blanket and snacks and camp out on the hillside. 

• If you love to spend time by the water, head to Durand Eastman Park with a good book. This sprawling park along Lake Ontario is full of great foliage in the fall and has relaxing waterfront vibes in the summer. 

• Reading in a cemetery? Don’t knock it till you try it! Mount Hope Cemetery is gorgeous, historic, and park-like. Stretch your legs and wander for awhile before settling in to read.

Sometimes simply reading a book isn't enough. With a little imagination, you can bring the tropes from your favorite romance novels to life by immersing yourself in the atmosphere of these unique spots.

• Bring the “oh no, there’s only one bed!” trope to life at the Inn at Reen's. It’s got everything: quaint, small-town vibes, excellent food, and beautiful, cozy rooms to stay in. Such a shame there’s only one bed!

• If you love historical fiction romance, head to Genesee Country Village & Museum, a 19th-century historic village featuring 68 different buildings, including a working brewery! Immerse yourself in the world, talk to costumed interpreters, and experience what it was like to live in this era. It’s a perfect spot for a first date for history buffs and romance readers alike.

• Recreate the classic “girl returns to her small town from the big city and falls in love” trope by exploring picturesque Fairport, NY. Taking a cruise on the family-owned Colonial Belle is fun no matter what, but maybe you’ll even get to have your very own meet cute 😉 

We hope you enjoy your bookish adventure in Rochester! Share your experiences with us on social media with #VisitRoc.