Lackawanna Public Library

Lackawanna Public Library

560 Ridge Rd.
Lackawanna, NY 14218
United States

716-823-0630
Fax: 716-827-1997
Danielle Ptak, Director

Located on Ridge Road between Route 5 and South Park Avenue. Wheelchair accessible. Parking lot available.

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Public Access Computers: 16 computers, networked (printing 10 cents B&W per page, 25 cents color per page, now with Mobile Printing) Microsoft Office Applications, Internet Access, Misc. "What can I do at a Public Access Computer?"

Meeting Room. Study Room. Copy machine, copies 15 cents each. Radio receiver for the visually impaired.

What's Special About the Lackawanna Library

The Lackawanna Public Library is a beautiful colonial style building with magnificent oak woodwork throughout the interior. Located on Ridge Road between Route 5 and South Park Avenue, the library was built in 1922 with money donated by Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie was a 19th Century steel tycoon who became one of the 20th Century’s most famous national philanthropists. The Lackawanna Library was one of the last Carnegie Libraries ever constructed.

The Lackawanna Public Library also houses a Local History museum on our ground floor. Our collections cover maps, photographs, and artifacts from Bethlehem Steel as well as Lackawanna itself.  If you would like more information please call or stop on in and we will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Lackawanna is rich in local history and just a short walk from the library you will find several local landmarks including Our Lady of Victory Basilica and Shrine and the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. The Library itself was built on a potter’s field and in 1994 a monument was added to honor the unknown buried there. In 2018 the PRONE Group (Paranormal Researchers of Niagara and Erie County) found evidence of paranormal activity at the Lackawanna Library and this "patron" is now affectionately known as Charlie.

The Lackawanna Library provides something for every age group. Each month the library has story times, crafts, movie nights, book clubs, bingo, computer classes and much more. All of these programs are provided free of charge. The Staff at the Lackawanna Public Library kindly invite you to visit soon and experience everything the library has to offer.

Kid relaxing on floor

a boy wearing fancy mask

Lackawanna Public Library Policies

System-Wide Policies

The Lackawanna Public Library is a member of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System.

  • Lackawanna Public Library


    PBS Camp: Donkey Hodie Summer Activity Series

    Wednesdays @ 10:30 AM, July 8 - August 5

    Children ages 2-5 are invited to gather at the Lackawanna Public Library for a morning of playful learning, creativity, and connection.

    Each session features clips from Donkey Hodie, followed by fun and educational activities.

    Light refreshments will be available each week, along with books and other giveaways.

    Come for one week or join us for all five! Space is limited, so save a seat for each kiddo ASAP!

    Register here: https://www.btpm.org/events/donkey-hodie-activity-series 

    Dino Party

    Thursday, July 9, 10:30 AM

    Join us for our monthly kids party! 

    Dinosaur themed crafts, activities, and games!

    This is a free program. No registration necessary.

    Outdoor Storytime with Barb's Book Buddies

    Thursday, July 16, 10:30 AM

    Kids of all ages are invited to Barb's Book Buddies' outdoor storytime!

    Registration is suggested, so call now at 716-823-0630 or visit the front desk!

    LitMinds

    Mondays July 13-20 & August 10-17 @ 2 PM, Final Showdown Friday, July 21 @ 1 PM

    Kids of all ages are invited to Barb's Book Buddies' outdoor storytime!

    Registration is suggested, so call now at 716-823-0630 or visit the front desk!

    Dino Painting

    Thursday, July 23, 10:30 AM

    Make your favorite dinosaur come to life with a layered stencil painting!

    Limited to 20 people, so call now at 716-823-0630 or visit the front desk!

    Sensory Storytime

    Monday, July 27, 10:30 AM

    Kiddos of all ages and abilities are invited to Sensory Storytime with Miss Tracey!

    Expect gentle engagement with visual aids.

    Registration required - call now at 716-823-0630 or visit the front desk!

    Circus Arts with Ben Berry

    Thursday, July 30, 10:30 AM

    Learn how to move like an acrobat from a real circus performer - circus props included!

    This is a free program.

    Registration encouraged - call now at 716-823-0630 or visit the front desk!


    Toddler Time - Summer Session

    Tuesdays & Fridays, 10:30 AM, July 7 - August 21

    Join Miss Tracey and Miss Wajiha to sing songs, make crafts, and have some fun as we celebrate a new topic each week!

    This is a free program. Best for kids 2-5.

    Registration required - pick our Tuesday OR Friday session and visit the front desk or call us at 716-823-0630 to register!

    Story Stars - Summer Session

    Tuesdays & Fridays, 10:30 AM, July 7 - August 21

    Join Miss Katherine to make some crafts themed to different topics each week!

    This is a free program. Best for kids 5-10.

    Registration required - pick our Tuesday OR Friday session and visit the front desk or call us at 716-823-0630 to register!

    ESL Help & English Conversations for U.S. Citizenship Test

    Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00 PM

    Adults can gain skills for work, everyday communication, citizenship and more. Work to reach YOUR goals!


    Adult Craft Circle: Forever Plants

    Tuesday, July 7, 6:00 PM

    Stop in and make a cool craft! All supplies provided, just bring your creativity.

    This is a free program. Ages 18+ only.

    Registration required, so stop by the front desk and grab your seat ASAP!

    BINGO!

    Monday, July 6, 1:00 PM

    It's time to win some prizes and brag to your family and friends!

    BINGO! is free and for all ages. No registration necessary.

    LEGO Club

    Monday, July 6, 2:00 PM

    We provide the LEGOs - you bring your creativity!

    LEGO Club happens directly after BINGO! Win your prizes and then stay to build your next masterpiece.

    LEGO Club is free and open to kids ages 6-12. No registration necessary.

    Tuesday Murder Club: Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak

    Tuesday, July 14, 6:00 PM

    Do you enjoy sleuthing your way through a good mystery? Join us for our murder mystery book club!

    This month, we're reading Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak.
     

    This is a free program. No registration necessary.

    Stitch Salon

    Wednesday, July 8, 6:00 PM

    If you're a crocheter, a needlepoint enthusiast, or someone who wants to get into fabric arts, come by and work on your projects in a chill, group setting!

    All experience levels welcome. While there is no formal instruction, attendees are encouraged to share ideas, tips, and inspiration.

    This is a free program open to all ages. No registration necessary.

    Teen Haunt

    Monday, July 27, 1:00 PM

    Calling all teens - make the library your favorite haunt!

    Play games, hang with your friends, read some books, make new buddies, and just chill out for the afternoon.

    This Month's Featured Craft: Kandi Bracelet

    Free and open to the public. All supplies and activities provided.

    Evening Cup Book Club: Deacon King Kong

    Wednesday, July 22, 6:00 PM

    Mark your calendars for our next book club/tea session!

    We'll be talking about James McBride's Deacon King Kong.

    As the story deepens, it becomes clear that the lives of the people impacted by the shooting overlap in unexpected ways.. A CRANKY OLD CHURCH DEACON shuffles into the courtyard of the projects in south Brooklyn, pulls a .38 from his pocket, and in front of everybody shoots the project's drug dealer at point-blank range.

    As the story deepens, it becomes clear that the lives of the people impacted by the shooting overlap in unexpected ways. 

    This is a free program. No registration necessary.

    Tea and cups will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.

    This month, we're doing BOOK CLUB IN A BAG. Simply stop by the front desk and pick up your copy! 

    Spice Explorers Spice of the Month Club

    July's Spice of the Month: Basil

    Stop in to grab a spice packet and a brochure that provides fun facts about this month's spice, recipes you can make at home, and cookbook recommendations to take your meals to the next level!

    Limit 1 kit per family, while supplies last.

    Join the Friends of the Library

    Want to be more involved in your Lackawanna Library? Become a Friend of the Lackawanna Library. We'd love your input on various projects, events, and much more to make a difference in the Lackawanna Community. Stop by the library or call 716-823-0630 to sign up and receive more information.

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