Explore with RHPL Ask for a recommendation RHPL provides materials, displays, and programming for a better understanding of our community and our world. The identities, cultures, and heritages on display represent your neighbors, coworkers, classmates, congregation, community leaders, and the patrons who use this building and these collections every day. If this month’s display is not what you’re looking for, please ask a librarian for a personalized recommendation. Hispanic Heritage Month September 15–October 15 Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The span of dates over two months marks the independence days of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile. Adult & teen reads Youth reads Earth Day April 1 - April 30 First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day was created by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson and activist Denis Hayes to draw attention to the environment and our impact on it. The first annual observance drew 20 million Americans to events and demonstrations and led to the creation of the EPA, and creation of laws like the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. Adult & teen reads Youth reads Showcase Name View All Item Author Item Title Item Author Item Title Item Author Item Title Item Author Item Title Item Author Item Title Explore by month January February March April May June July August September October November Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service Martin Luther King Day was signed into law as a federal holiday in 1983 — 15 years after it was first proposed. The day is observed each year to recognize the accomplishments and contributions Dr. King made to American history and civil rights, and to honor his life of service to the American people. Adult & teen reads Youth reads Black History Month In honor of the nation's bicentennial, President Gerald R. Ford was the first to issue a proclamation marking Black History Month in 1976, encouraging all Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." Adult & teen reads Youth reads Women's History Month First designated a week-long celebration in 1981 by Congress, Women's History Month did not become a 30-day celebration until 1987 after a petition from the National Women's History Project. It was not until 1995 that annual presidential proclamations were issued to formally designate March as Women's History Month. Adult & teen reads Youth reads Earth Day First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day was created by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson and activist Denis Hayes to draw attention to the environment and our impact on it. The first annual observance drew 20 million Americans to events and demonstrations and led to the creation of the EPA, and creation of laws like the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. Adult & teen reads Youth reads National Poetry Month Known as the "largest literary celebration in the world," National Poetry Month began in 1996 and continues today with observations from publishers, professors, librarians, writers, students, teachers, and individuals throughout the country. Read or share your favorite poem to celebrate, or write your own to celebrate the art and beauty of poetry. Adult & teen reads Youth reads Arab American Heritage Month President Biden declared the first Arab American Heritage Month in 2022, calling for the nation to learn more about the history and achievements of Arab Americans and to reflect on the contributions Arab Americans have made to our culture and country. Over 2.2 million Americans have Arab ancestry, tracing their roots back to the 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa that make up the Arab world. Adult & teen reads Youth reads Autism Acceptance Month Created to promote acceptance and raise awareness, Autism Acceptance Month encourages people to celebrate differences by sharing information, honoring experiences, and supporting inclusion and connectedness. Adult & teen reads Youth reads Jewish American Heritage Month Established in 2006 by President George W. Bush, Jewish American Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the history and cultural traditions of Jewish Americans. Highlighing diverse perspectives and achievements, the month seeks to celebrate nearly 400 years of lived experiences and honor the contributions made throughout American history. Adult & teen reads Youth reads Asian American Pacific Islander Month Encompassing the entire Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month covers a broad spectrum of experience. The annual celebration became a month-long event in 1990 and highlights the important contributions Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have made to our culture and history. Adult & teen reads Youth reads Mental Health Awareness Month Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. In May, RHPL joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Libraries can help fight stigma, provide support options, and educate the public about mental illness. Adult & teen reads Youth reads Pride Month Pride Month is held in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a demonstration in which people gathered to protest the harassment and unfair treatment of LGBT Americans. Recognized annually since 1970, the month seeks to recognize the struggle, contributions, and history of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Adult & teen reads Youth reads Juneteenth On June 19, 1865, two years after the 13th amendment abolishing slavery was adopted, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas and announced to over 250,000 enslaved people that they were free. The holiday known as Juneteenth was celebrated annually as early as 1866 and was made a federal holiday in 2021. Adult & teen reads Youth reads Disability Pride Month July marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. Disability Pride Month celebrates the many achievements of the disability community and highlights the work that still needs to be done by all to support, honor, and remove barriers to access for people with disabilities. Adult & teen reads Youth reads International Day of Peace Established in 1981 by the United Nations National Assembly, the International Day of Peace serves to promote peace and reminds people and governments to work toward peace always. It encourages commemorations through education and observances throughout the world. Adult & teen reads Youth reads Hispanic Heritage Month Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The span of dates over two months marks the independence days of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile. Adult & teen reads Youth reads Indigenous People's Day Officially adopted by 19 states (including Michigan) and formally commemorated by President Biden beginning in 2021, Indigenous Peoples Day recognizes the resiliency, history, and culture of Indigenous people. Adult & teen reads Youth reads Native American Heritage Month First established as a national heritage month in 1990 by George H.W. Bush, Native American Heritage Month commemorations go back as far as 1915. Each year the month recognizes the contributions and history of native people in the United States. Adult & teen reads Youth reads Veterans Day Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11 in honor of the 1918 armistice between Allied countries and Germany that effectively ended World War I. President Woodrow Wilson first recognized Veterans Day in 1919. The holiday calls our attention to the service and sacrifices of our veterans. Adult & teen reads Youth reads

Teen Volunteering Sign up for our Senior Tech Telp program and other opportunities Learn more Test Prep Everything you need for test prep, from mid-terms to SATs Find Resources Teen Advisory Board Have a say in your library experience! Join TAB to share your opinions on RHPL Join TAB Teen Services 248-650-7140 Ask a librarian Suggest a purchase Teen Advisory Board All teens are invited to join the RHPL Teen Advisory Board! Through the TAB group you can: Earn volunteer hours by attending meetings Learn about current and upcoming volunteer opportunities Share your thoughts about teen programs, collections, and spaces Brainstorm ideas for the Teen Services department at the library Spend time with fellow teens outside of school TAB meetings take place every third Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m., September through May. Please reach out to the Teen Services Librarian if you are interested in joining. Join TAB 1 2 3 4 5 Special Collections New release video games, graphic novels, comics, Anime, and Manga. Graphic Novels & Manga Video Games Anime

Local History & Genealogy Digital Collections Greater Rochester History Online Greater Rochester History Online contains over 1,500 digital images and audio files, including photographs and postcards, oral histories, yearbooks, and views of recent Rochester history. View the GRHO Collection Digital Yearbooks Digitized yearbooks from Rochester High School, Rochester Adams High School, and Stoney Creek High School. Editions from 1978-present are available to view at the library. View Digital Yearbooks Online Databases If you need help with your local history or genealogy research, RHPL offers several free databases that come with your library card membership. Find Research Databases Physical Collections To view these items, please speak with a librarian at the second-floor reference desk. Local History Publications Includes titles related to the Ferry-Morse Seed Farm, local cemeteries and churches, the Clinton-Kalamazoo Canal, Downtown Rochester, Leader Dogs for the Blind, and the Van Hoosen Farm. Browse Materials Atlases Historical maps and surveys covering the late 1800s and the mid to late 1900s. View maps & surverys Serials Magazines and journals related to Michigan history, genealogy, and local interest. View magazines & journals Newspapers on Microfilm Use our microfilm machine to find articles about local events. Rochester ERA (selected issues, 1873-1949) Rochester Clarion (selected issues, 1931-1971) Rochester Eccentric (1972-2007) Detroit News (1961-2006) Obituaries and Vertical File Selected obituaries and clippings from local newspapers. Physical Yearbooks Rochester-area yearbooks spanning from the 1920s to present. Browse Physical Yearbooks Learn about your family history Explore our premium digital resources, including Ancestry.com Library Edition, Newspapers.com Library Edition, HeritageQuest, Heritage Hub, and MyHeritage. View all databases Get tips from our volunteer genealogist during Drop-in Genealogy Help once a month. Find an event Maps CLIO Find and explore historic and cultural sites around the US, including buildings and homes in and around Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Oakland Township. Explore CLIO Sanborn Maps Created by fire insurance companies to document existing structures, Sanborn maps are a great tool for researchers exploring communities and buildings from the past. This digital collection is hosted by the Library of Congress and includes maps covering Rochester from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. View the digital collection Historical Topographic Maps Featuring an interactive tool called topoView, searchable maps showcasing physical changes to the land of a particular location from 1880-2010, from the National Geologic Map Database and maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey Explore the database Drop-in Genealogy Help View All Anderson, Chris, 1948- A genealogist's guide to discovering your Germanic ancestors : how to find and record your unique heritage Nelson, Lynn, 1957- A genealogist's guide to discovering your Italian ancestors : how to find and record your unique heritage Carmack, Sharon DeBartolo, 1956- A genealogist's guide to discovering your immigrant & ethnic ancestors : how to find and record your unique heritage Jonas, Linda, 1953- A genealogist's guide to discovering your Scottish ancestors : how to find and record your unique heritage Carmack, Sharon DeBartolo, 1956- A genealogist's guide to discovering your female ancestors : special strategies for uncovering hard-to-find information about your female lineage Additional Resources Rochester-Avon Historical Society See also Remembering Rochester , a searchable blog created by the Rochester-Avon Historical society featuring stories and images from the Rochester area’s past. Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm Explore the museum’s collections , newspaper archive , and local history articles on topics within the community. Oakland Township Historical Society Information on Cranberry Lake Farm , the Barn Survey Project, and much more. Rochester Hills Historic Districts Commission City of Rochester Historical Commission Genealogy Research at the Library of Michigan Search resources available through the Library of Michigan, including state census records, naturalization records, and death certificates.

Library Hours Monday–Thursday 9am–9pm Friday–Saturday 9am–6pm Sunday 1pm–6pm We're always open online! Explore digital reads and resources 24/7 > Location 500 Olde Towne Road Rochester, MI 48307 Dates Closed 2026 January 1 January 23 (Early closure, 4:30 p.m.) April 5 April 25 (Early closure, 4:30pm) May 23–25 July 4 July 17 September 5-7 November 25 (Early closure, 6pm) November 26 December 23 (Early closure, 6pm) December 24 - 25 December 31 Find us on the road! RHPL's bookmobile visits over 20 locations throughout the community so you can browse, pick up holds, and return items where it's most convenient for you. Find a stop

Friends Board Summary Ron Meegan President Ron is a retired GM Powertrain Engineer. He has lived in Rochester Hills with wife Theresa for 45 years and has been an active volunteer at the library since 2009. He also volunteers for the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm as a photo archivist and is on the board of Michigan Christian Campus Ministries in East Lansing. William Kroger Vice President Bill Kroger and his wife Jean have resided in Oakland Township for 46 years. Bill retired from ThyssenKrupp Budd Company 20 years ago after working for them for 40 years. In addition to the Friends, Bill has been active with the Oakland Township Historical Society and the OPC Quarterly Newspaper, “Vintage Views”. Sandy Tabacchi Secretary Sandy is a Detroit native, migrated to Southern California for 12 years and has been a Rochester Hills resident for the past 30+ years. She is a retired teacher and school librarian totaling almost 40 years in education with the last 20 in the Avondale School District. Sandy began volunteering at the library about 20 years ago. Sandy is an avid reader, knitter, golfer and loves to watch soccer. She is the mother of two handsome sons. Kimberly Matis Member At-Large Kimberly is very involved in the Rochester area community and frequently volunteers for and supports programs at the library, among various other community programs. She is a former adult literacy tutor with the Oakland Literacy Council. Kimberly works as a legal assistant in a Bloomfield Hills law firm supporting estate and trust planning as well as civil litigation in all state and federal courts. She attended Macomb Community College working full time while going to school. Kimberly lives in the Rochester area with her husband Jeff, and their two cats, Lucky and Jasper. Connie Dowe Member At-Large Connie Dowe is a CPA who retired from a management position at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan in 2009. In addition to serving on the Board of the Friends, Connie is the accountant for the Friends gift store and ticket chairman for the Holiday Home Tour. Connie also serves as treasurer for the Rochester Area Democratic Club. Tom Asmus Member At-Large Tom has a PhD in chemistry, as well as an engineering degree, and spent 30 years at Chrysler as a researcher on engines - winning many awards including 12 patents. He was also a Peace Corps volunteer for two years in a small village in Honduras, working to provide clean water to the villagers. He volunteers with several groups in the local area including the Oakland Township Historical Society and is a member of the Rochester Rotary. He lives in Oakland Township with his wife Mary. Vickie Baker Member At-Large Vickie has been a volunteer in the Friends gift shop since 2015 and is currently responsible for training new volunteers in the gift shop. She worked for General Motors and Electronic Data Systems for 20 years in Corporate Logistics. Vickie returned to school and became a licensed psychotherapist, working in that field,for 20 years. Her love for reading and books motivates her to enthusiastically support the library. Mary Harlan Treasurer Elect. Mary Harlan was born and raised in Detroit. She moved to Rochester Hills with her husband and two daughters in 2000. She retired in 2020 from Michigan Ear Institute as the financial coordinator after more than 30 years. She enjoys gardening, her dog, and of course the library. Ronda Karney Tax Coordinator Ronda Karney is a CPA who retired after 20 years with Metzler Locricchio Serra & Co. P.C., a local firm in Troy. She was actively involved in serving clients in the not-for-profit sector; assisting them with their accounting and tax reporting needs. Ronda and her husband Mark have lived in Rochester Hills since 1996. They enjoy outdoor sports, motorcycling and spending time with their two children and grandchildren. In addition to the Friends, Ronda volunteers with Bible Study Fellowship as a small group leader. Download the Friends Roster

Rotary Gateway Park Location Description Donor A Bill & Tina Lins A Paine Webber Rochester MI A The Cerame Family A Kaitlyn Hamilton A 97 Brewster Ross Company A Mr. & Mrs. John M. Trumbull A R & B Terepin A Jillian & Ellen Gassen A Eugenia & Roger Bajorek A Gary and Ann DePouw & Jonathan, Mason, Sara, Graham, Ross, Caitlin, Ian A Lindsay Hamilton A Ronald F. and Lisa Guyett A Arthur R. & Patricia Cox A Gary & Marilyn Hanson A The Donald C. Lamont Family Page 1 of 129

Innovative Items Ask a librarian Looking for something else? Fill out a form to suggest an addition to the IIC. Suggest a purchase View the policy Circulation Policies View circulation policies for details on loan periods, checkout limits, and fines and fees. RHPL's Library of Things Perfect for your next home project or budding hobby, check out free tools, household items, equipment, and technology. Explore all Innovative Items > Arts & Crafts Start creating > Electronics & Technology Up your game > Experiences Try something new > Household Perfect your nest > Music Make some noise > Outdoor Games Get outside > Science & Education Experiment Tools Do it yourself >

Citizenship & Immigration Local Resources for New Residents If you aren't sure where to go for services, try checking our map of important locations. Check out the full map Citizenship & Immigration Resources The Citizenship Collection contains materials for those thinking about or applying for citizenship. Find study materials for the Naturalization Test, important US documents, and official USCIS multilingual materials on immigration, green cards, and citizenship. Materials are available in 10+ languages. The collection is located on the second floor, between the World Languages Collection and the Adult Graphic Novel Collection. RHPL Citizenship Collection – Resources to help you navigate citizenship USCIS Citizenship Resource Center 10 Steps to Naturalization Naturalization Test and Study Resources USCIS Multilingual Resource Center Apply for Citizenship Online N-400, Application for Naturalization Commonly Asked Questions Green Card Eligibility Categories How to Apply for a Green Card USCIS Resources for Educational Programs Free Library Programs You can find programs by RHPL in our Program Calendar . English Matters ELL Conversation Group: Conversation groups are a time to come together and discuss hometowns, food, hobbies, jobs, and other informal topics. Joining a group will introduce you to new friends for a great time! Questions? Contact Mariano at mariano.cadiz@rhpl.org or 248-202-9352. These programs are free with a RHPL library card. ELL Book Club Meet with Kari Bryson and other English language learners to read a book and talk about it in a friendly setting. Copies of the book will be available at the first meeting. Contact kari.bryson@rhpl.org with questions. Everyday English in Conversation Voice of America These programs are free with a RHPL library card. Library Resources & Books These free RHPL materials are available with a valid library card. English Self-Instruction Books Pronunciator Languages Bluebird Audiobook Languages LearningExpress Other Free Programs Free Classes Oakland Literacy Council Free one-on-one tutoring in basic reading and English language skills to adults. La Casa Amiga John Lutheran Church International Bible Study/ESL Rochester Community Schools Adult Education College Classes Oakland Community College Auburn Hills Campus ESL Oakland University ESL Institute Teaching Resources Oakland Literacy Council: Become a Tutor EL/Civics Online EL/Civics Online is a unique professional development opportunity for ESL instructors and volunteers who wish to incorporate EL/Civics content into their adult ESL classrooms Center for Adult English Language Acquisition

Pewabic: Detroit's Pottery Join Pewabic's own Eric Graham for a look into the 122 year history of Detroit's iconic Pewabic Pottery. Founded in 1903, Pewabic is one of the oldest continually operating potteries in the country. Working out of their National Historic Landmark studio on Detroit's east side, they preserve a tradition of hand craftsmanship that has enriched lives for generations. Explore images from the Pewabic archives during this presentation as they guide you through over a century of handcrafting pottery and tiles in Detroit. Subscribe to our YouTube page to receive notifications when new videos are posted. Mental Health with Henry Ford Health The purpose of Mental Health awareness is to educate the public about mental illnesses, and the 18.1% of Americans who suffer from it. The reality is many individuals with a mental health problem suffer in silence because of the stigma (negative attitudes and misconceptions) that surround having a mental illness. Learn the facts about how you can help yourself or a loved one seek help and resources that can improve overall wellbeing and quality of life. Presented by Phyllis A. Nelson APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-C, from Henry Ford Health. Subscribe to our YouTube page to receive notifications when new videos are posted. Born in Blood: The Beginning of the National Parks System The United States boasts some of the most beautiful, breathtaking, and virtually untouched landscapes. But do you know the history behind how these pristine areas were created? Learn about the blood and heartache that Indigenous nations faced with the creation of the National Parks System. Heather Bruegl is a public historian, activst, and decolonial education consultant who works with institutions and organizations for Indigenous sovereignty and collective liberation. She is a citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and a first-line descendant of Stockbridge Munsee. She graduated from Madonna University in Michigan and holds a Master of Arts in U.S. History. She is a doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in First Nations Education. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive updates when new videos are posted. Women's Health: Healthy Transitions with Henry Ford Health An interactive discussion on the transition through menopause and expectations for management during and after that last period. Nancy Mattoni, a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, will give recommendations for screenings to maintain women's health and provide available options for menopausal symptoms, bladder issues, osteoperosis, and more. Subscribe to our YouTube page to receive notifications when new videos are posted. Sap to Syrup with Dinosaur Hill It all starts with a maple tree! Discover how to identify a maple from other trees by leaves and branches, when and how to tap your tree, and the process through which maple syrup is made from sap at Dinosaur Hill. Subscribe to our YouTube page to receive notifications when new videos are posted. Recorded Programs

Room Reservations Meeting Room Use Policy Please review our policy before booking a space. View the policy Study Rooms Good for solo study and small group meetings for your study, non-profit, civic, or educational group. Reserve a Study Room Meeting Rooms Good for large groups and meetings for your non-profit, civic, or educational group. Reserve a Meeting Room What to know before you reserve Online Meeting Room reservations can be made one week to two months in advance and are limited to two per month and four hours per day. Study Room reservations are limited to two per week and four consecutive hours per day. Study Room reservations may be canceled if the patron does not arrive within 15 minutes of the reservation start time. All Meeting Room reservations must be approved by the library before use. Your reservation is not confirmed until reviewed by staff during business hours. Expected attendance must match each meeting room's capacity. Conference Room A, up to 23 people, Conference Room B, up to 12 people, Multipurpose Room, 25-90 people. The Scout Group Reservation space is only available to scout groups of up to 30 people. Please note, the available furniture in this room is child-sized.

Get a Library Card Apply now View the policy Library Card Policy Eligible residents, students, and business owners can apply online for immediate digital access Community Members People who live or own property, in Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Oakland Township Students Students at Oakland University, Rochester University, public K-12, and private K-12 schools within Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Oakland Township Businesses Business owners or people who work in Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Oakland Township Non-residents Non-residents may be eligible to check out materials using the MiLibrary and TLN reciprocal borrowing programs and agreements. So Much More than Books Your library card gives you free access to all physical materials and eBooks, eAudiobooks, and streaming platforms for movies, TV, and music Consumer Reports, Morningstar, Ancestry.com , and over 100 research and enrichment subscription databases Local, national, and international news sources Adaptive and assistive equipment and technology Meeting and Study rooms Lectures, concerts, enrichment and entertainment programs A Makerspace Tech, tools, and equipment from the Innovative Items Collection Laptops and WiFi hotspots MAP for free admission to local museums, attractions, and parks

Computers & Printers Computer Use Internet Access Library Policies Review our policies for computer use and internet access before connecting. Print from anywhere using your computer or mobile device Printers accept cash or card at the machine. You can send a print from a library computer or personal device by using the options below. Black and white printing : 10¢ per page Color printing : 25¢ per page Print to the 1st floor Print to the 2nd floor Technology check outs RHPL offers laptops, hotspots, and other tools and technology for check out with a valid RHPL library card. See what's available One-on-One Technology Help RHPL offers one-on-one technology assistance. Use your RHPL library card to book a 45-minute appointment and bring your personal device with you. Follow the link below or call 248-650-7158 to make an appointment. Schedule technology help Help you can find at the Tech Assistant Desk Using a search engine to find a website Finding “how-to” videos for a program or website Printing, copying, scanning, and saving to flash drives Uploading documents to an email account or cloud storage Extending computer time (so long as no other patrons are waiting) Basic help with library-provided software Help you can find at the Reference Desk or with a tech help appointment All assistance given at the tech assistant desk, plus: Getting started with an email account or updating a password Getting started with a social media account Navigating digital library resources and library-provided software Navigating the library catalog and website Downloading and using library resources on a personal device Finding resources to help with resumes or job searches Directing patrons to resources for assistance that library staff is not able to offer Help that RHPL Staff is not able to offer Typing, taking dictation, or filling out forms for patrons Reviewing sensitive or private documents or information Interpreting instructions for forms or applications Reading or interpreting legal, tax, financial, or other sensitive or official information Giving advice regarding legal, medical, financial, or other personal information Proofreading Fixing or repairing personal devices If you need help that RHPL staff cannot offer, a librarian may be able to point you to resources or organizations that can. Computers are available for public use with your RHPL card in Youth, Outreach, and Adult Departments. Guest passes are available on the second floor if you do not have a library card. Get a Library Card