Rochester, City of

Rochester, Minnesota, home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, is a city with a can-do attitude. With a passion that mirrors that attitude, the Rochester Public Library (RPL) strives to increase equity and access by targeting vulnerable populations. These targeted populations are served by the library's mantra: "We Care." That caring culture is at the center of every decision the library makes. RPL has made a concerted effort to be a safe space where marginalized youth and families seek refuge, find services, and receive support and understanding. The library hosts clubs, support groups, monthly meetings, and teen programming with the purpose of celebrating all individuals, their identities, and the community that supports and values them. RPL connected with community partners to design and implement Rochester Reading Champions, a free tutoring program that trains and deploys volunteers to tutor low-income youth struggling to read and meet grade-level reading requirements.