Lackawanna Public Library

Lackawanna Public Library
Library Info

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


    Sensory Storytime

    Wednesday, November 8, 10:30-11 AM

    Join us for Sensory Storytime, an adaptive storytime experience designed for youth with light and noise sensitivities.

    Participants can expect a fun, relaxing time with gentle engagement and visual aids.

    This program is best for kids at a preschool learning level. All ages and abilities are welcome.

    NOTE: Registration is required due to the nature of the program. Call 716-823-0630 or stop by the front desk to register.

    Wicked Movie Matinee and Singalong

    Saturday, November 15, 1:00 PM

    Join our watch party for Wicked (2024) to prepare for the release of Wicked: For Good!

    Bring your friends, sing together, and make either Galinda's or Elphaba's wand. (All craft supplies provided - just bring your creativity.)

    Free program open to all ages! No registration required.

    Lackawanna Steel Strike Presentation

    Tuesday, November 18, 6:00 PM

    Learn about the Lackawanna Steel Strike, presented by the Lackawanna Historical Association

    Free program open to the public. No registration required.

    Bilingual Storytime

    Wednesday, November 19, 5:00 PM

    Have some family friendly fall fun in our pumpkin patch, at a magic show, making seasonal crafts, and MORE!

    Free program open to the public

    Registration required for those who want a pumpkin.

    Local History Talk: Colonel Weber

    Tuesday, November 25, 6:00 PM

    Learn about an individual from Lackawanna history that accomplished many things for our great city!

    Presented by the Lackawanna Historical Association.

    Free program open to the public. No registration required.


    Toddler Time

    September 30 - November 21

    Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:30-11:30 AM

    Join us to sing songs, make crafts, and have fun with us as we celebrate the topic of the week!

    Registration required - pick our Tuesday OR Friday session and call or visit the front desk 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: Fabric Pumpkins

    Tuesday, November 4, 6:00 PM

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

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

    Ages 18+ only.

    BINGO!

    Saturday, November 1, 1:00 PM

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

    BINGO! is for all ages.

    LEGO Club

    Saturday, November 1, 2:00 PM

    We provide the LEGOs - you just have to bring your creativity!

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

    Free and open to kids ages 6-12.

    Tuesday Murder Club: Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala

    Tuesday, November 18, 6:00 PM

    A monthly book club exploring the murder genre.

    When Lila Macapagal moves back home to recover from a breakup, she's tasked with saving her Tita Rosie's restaurant.

    And who would have thought, the nasty food critic trying to mess things up further is her ex boyfriend - who winds up dead.

    Now, it's up to Lila to Agatha Christie her way through this mystery.

    Free and open to the public. 

    Community Book Club: Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power

    Wednesday, November 19, 6:00 PM

    G From the mid-century metropolis of Chicago to the windswept ancestral lands of the Dakota people, to the bleak and brutal Indian boarding schools, A council of Dolls is the story of three women, told in part through the stories of the dolls they carried.

    This a quietly devastating and ultimately hopeful novel where the words on the page truly come alive. 

    Free and open to the public. Refreshments provided.

    Spice Explorers Spice of the Month Club

    November's Spice of the Month: Pumpkin Pie Spice!

    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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