Rochester Read

Rochester Read has been a vital part of Rochester's cultural landscape since 2001, anchoring the trendy Park Avenue neighborhood with its inviting storefront and packed events calendar. The store reflects the city's unique identity as a center of technology and imaging, with outstanding science, engineering, and photography sections that draw readers from across western New York. Owner Martin Hayes, a former Kodak engineer turned bookseller, built the photography collection into one of the best in the state, featuring everything from classic Ansel Adams monographs to cutting-edge digital imaging titles. The in-store cafe is a gathering spot for University of Rochester students and faculty, who fill its tables with laptops and stacks of books throughout the academic year. The store's commitment to community engagement extends to partnerships with the George Eastman Museum, Rochester Institute of Technology, and local public schools, making it far more than just a place to buy books.