Rochester City Hall and multiple municipal offices will close on Monday, Jan. 19 to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Rochester, New York – Rochester will observe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19, with the closure of City Hall and a wide range of municipal offices across the city. The holiday pause is intended to honor the life and legacy of the civil rights leader while allowing residents and employees to take part in reflection and community activities.

In addition to City Hall, Neighborhood Service Centers will be closed for the day, along with R-Centers that typically provide recreational and educational programming. Residents who rely on in-person city services are encouraged to plan ahead, as regular operations will resume the following day.

Several other city-run facilities will also shut their doors on Monday. Rochester Animal Services will be closed, as will Rochester City Branch Libraries, limiting access to library resources for one day. The Rochester Traffic Violations Agency will not be open, and administrative offices at the Honorable Loretta C. Scott Center for Human Services, located at 57 St. Paul Street, will also be closed in observance of the holiday.

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City officials also reminded residents about changes to waste collection schedules. Refuse and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week following the holiday. Households are advised to place bins out according to the adjusted schedule to avoid missed collection.

While many offices will be closed, some recreational facilities will remain open. The city’s ice rinks at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at Manhattan Square, 353 Court Street, and the Genesee Valley Park Sports Complex at 131 Elmwood Avenue will operate during their normal hours on Monday. These venues are expected to draw families and skating enthusiasts looking for a winter activity during the holiday.

A special community event will also take place at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park Ice Rink. The annual Skate to Commemorate open skating gathering is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 19. Admission will be free for participants who donate a canned good or a hygiene item, blending recreation with a spirit of giving in honor of Dr. King’s message of service and compassion.

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Not all city services will pause for the holiday. The City’s 311 Call Center will remain open during its regular hours, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., providing residents with access to information, service requests, and non-emergency assistance throughout the day.

Residents seeking more details about skating opportunities and city services are encouraged to check official city resources. Overall, the holiday schedule reflects a balance between honoring a national day of remembrance and maintaining essential services for the community.