I took a step into history today, doing some research on my mother’s family at the Central Library downtown. I hadn’t been there in quite a while and had sort of forgotten how impressive it is. Celebrating it’s 100th anniversary this year, the library now encompasses two buildings on both sides of South Avenue. For rainy days like today, there’s a tunnel under the road that takes you from one side to the other. I spent several hours looking up old local newspaper articles, which are all on microfiche on the second floor of the old building, but I also got in quite a few steps, checking out both floors on the old side and all 4 floors on the new.

If you’ve lived in Rochester for very long, you will remember the secret room in the children’s section of the old building. The children’s area is now in the new building, but I’m happy to report that the secret room was moved with the books, and one special bookcase there leads to magic. On other floors, I was surprised to find one whole section dedicated to patents and trademarks, and an area set up for entrepreneurs to learn how to start up businesses.

On my way out, I discovered this gem – an outdoor walled garden reading area that was unoccupied on this wet day, but looked inviting, nevertheless. You can see the Bausch and Lomb building and statue in the background.

When you get a chance, spend some time at the Central Library. You’ll be amazed.

Day 116: 7,830 Steps   YTD: 1,093,993 Steps    Goal: 1,089,000 Steps