For book lovers, nothing says cozy like a wintery day, a cup of coffee, and the perfect reading spot. If you want a change of scenery and a new selection of books, look no farther than your local library. While each public library has its own charm, here are a handful of comfy places to camp out. And why not pick up a hot drink on the way?
Brighton Memorial Library
2300 Elmwood Ave.
Rochester
This library’s reading room features an abundance of natural light through its half wall of windows. Patrons can choose their seats from cushioned club chairs or high-top café tables and stools. Within reach are newspapers, magazines, and all the library’s new books for adults. Self-serve Keurig coffee, tea, and cocoa are available for purchase. For a more exciting drink, nearby Seoul Drop offers a hot panden latte: seouldrop.com.
Charlotte Branch Library
3557 Lake Ave.
Rochester
roccitylibrary.org/location/charlotte
Making use of the nearby Port of Rochester for its moniker, the “Teen Harbor” provides a reading space for middle and high school students. A pair of cushioned easy chairs flanks a window for light, while a colorful carpet warms the space. Books for teens—including comics and manga—are in this space, allowing them to camp out. For a steamin’ cup, stop by Sips on your way in: sipsrochester.com.
East Rochester
317 Main St., Ste. 1010
East Rochester
eastrochesterny.gov/Departments/Public-Library/Library-Home
What was once a dark storage area under the stairs is now a cozy reading spot. In 2023, the spandrel was painted, lit, and fit with a cushioned reading bench. The nautical-themed pillows match the wainscoting, making it a fun spot for readers of all ages. Bring in a chai, drip coffee, or pastry from Luigi’s, only a couple blocks away: instagram.com/luigiscoffee.er.
Fairport Public Library
1 Fairport Village Lndg.
Fairport
Want living room vibes from your public library? Then stop into Fairport’s magazine room, welcoming patrons since the library’s renovation in 2015. Silence is required for this space, so put down your phone and get lost in the pages of a story. There are comfy chairs, wall art, table lamps, and a fireplace ready to warm your soul. Clementine Coffee provides your basics plus seasonal specials to warm your belly, too: clementineroc.com.
Gates Public Library
902 Elmgrove Rd.
Rochester
Sometimes it isn’t the size or shape of the space that makes it warm, but the sentiment. This is the case with the lone chair tucked into the corner of the book sale area in Gates. The homemade table lamp is made of actual books and built by Rusty, a library employee. Rusty’s sister Sheila, who was an active library volunteer, recently passed away, so Rusty created this tribute in her memory. A Keurig and pods are steps away, or pick up a London Fog (Earl Grey Latte) from Pure Imagination Café: pureimaginationcafe.com.
Greece Public Library
2 Vince Toffany Blvd.
Rochester
An equally cool and cozy design element in this library is the booth-style workspaces inset into the wall. Each with their own color, they come with cushioned benches, a table, ceiling lamp, and monitor that can connect to your laptop. If you just want to tuck yourself into the space and disappear into a book, you can do that, too. Hot beverages are provided at their periodic Sip & Stitch programs, or you can bring your own sweet gommosa (espresso poured over marshmallow) from New Roots Coffeehouse: newrootscoffeehouse.com.
Mendon Public Library
22 North Main St.
Honeoye Falls
Built in 2011, the Mendon Library’s reading area gives off the feel of a different time. The stone wall, double-sided fireplace, and throwback décor allow patrons to rest easy in this space. Large windows allow readers to watch the snow fall while they are tucked inside. For extra coziness, patrons can join the Knit Nook every second and fourth Thursday morning of the month. Order a fresh coffee made with beans from Evening Star Roasters (Avon, NY) at the nearby Main St. Café: mainstcafehf.com/mendon.
Parma Public Library
7 West Ave.
Hilton
This library is nestled in the Village of Hilton, though it serves residents from the whole Town of Parma in its 8,000-square-foot building. Carved out between the shelves of books for adults and teens is the reading lounge. The furniture was replaced last summer with pretty new chairs and a matching table, so patrons can read in style in this enclave. The Coffee Corner across the street serves Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters flavors and is a favorite of staff: 392-1234.
Rush Public Library
5877 East Henrietta Rd.
Rush
Walking into the Rush Library’s café space is like taking a reading retreat. Completed in 2014 to honor the library’s 100th birthday, the area includes a fireplace for warmth, a picture window for light, and soft chairs for comfort. The furniture defines the space that includes a Keurig and pods for purchase on a small cabinet decorated with teacups. You can also BYOB from Layali Coffee House (twelve minutes north in Henrietta) or Milk & Honey Café (twelve minutes south in Lima): layalicoffeehouse.square.site; instagram.com/milkandhoneycafelima.
For a complete list of Monroe County libraries, visit libraryweb.org.
This article originally appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of (585).
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