25 for 25: Supporting the Rochester Public Library Foundation in June

For many families, summer means a break from school routines. But across Rochester, learning, creativity, and connection continue long after the final bell rings.

That’s part of what made the Rochester Public Library Foundation such a meaningful choice for June’s 25 for 25 recipient.

As part of Atlas Insurance Brokers’ year-long community giving initiative, the Rochester Public Library Foundation was selected to receive a $2,000 donation in support of its mission to expand access to literacy, education, technology, and lifelong learning opportunities throughout the community.

Throughout the month, our team had the opportunity to learn more about the Foundation’s impact, visit the library, and launch a community donation drive to help support local readers and learners of all ages.

Supporting More Than Just a Library

While the Rochester Public Library serves thousands of community members every year, the Rochester Public Library Foundation helps make many of the library’s innovative programs and expanded resources possible.

Since 1996, the Foundation has supported projects and initiatives that increase access to education, technology, literacy resources, and community programming. Their work helps ensure the library remains a welcoming and forward-thinking space for everyone in Rochester.

The Foundation helps fund programs and pilot initiatives that directly impact the community, including literacy tutoring through Rochester Reading Champions, expanded access to Wi-Fi hotspots and digital resources, educational programming, and new initiatives designed to remove barriers that may prevent people from utilizing library services.

This summer alone, the Foundation is supporting a two-hour parking pilot program in the Mayo Civic Ramp to improve accessibility to the library downtown. They also continue supporting expanded digital resources like Kanopy and Kanopy Kids, giving library card holders access to free educational and entertainment streaming content.

Atlas Community Donation Drive

As part of this month’s 25 for 25 partnership, Atlas Insurance Brokers also hosted a community donation drive. Community members, clients, and staff were invited to donate gently used books, CDs, DVDs, video games, puzzles, and board games to help support library resources and literacy efforts throughout the community.

The response highlighted something we’ve seen repeatedly throughout this campaign: Rochester continues to show up for local organizations that make a difference. The donation drive also created another opportunity to reinforce the importance of lifelong learning during the summer months. While school may be out, access to books, educational resources, and opportunities to learn remains just as important.

All donated materials are used by the Friends of the Rochester Public Library volunteers to create maximum impact.

Visiting the Library and Meeting the Foundation Team

During June, members of the Atlas team visited the Rochester Public Library to meet with leadership from the Rochester Public Library Foundation and present the organization’s $2,000 donation check. The visit allowed our team to hear more about the Foundation’s goals, the programs they support, and the many ways the library continues evolving to meet the needs of the community.

One of the most rewarding parts of the 25 for 25 initiative has been the ability to connect directly with the people behind these organizations. Seeing the passion, creativity, and community focus that drives their work continues to reinforce why this campaign matters.

Looking Ahead

As 25 for 25 continues throughout the year, we’re grateful for the opportunity to support organizations like the Rochester Public Library Foundation that help strengthen Rochester through education, access, and community connection. Thank you to everyone who participated in the donation drive and helped support the Foundation’s mission.

There’s still more to come as the 25 for 25 campaign continues throughout the rest of the year, and we look forward to continuing to highlight the organizations making a lasting impact throughout our community.