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

    May Programs

    Free Cooking Demos with FeedMore WNY

    Saturday, May 9, 1:00 PM & 

    Tuesday, May 26, 6:00 PM

    FeedMore WNY is hosting two free cooking demos a month at the Lackawanna Public Library, where they'll discuss how to make easy, affordable, and nutritious meals.

    Taste samples will be available, and participants will receive a free cooking utensil! 

    Check out our flyers for more recipe and theme details.

    This is a free program. No registration necessary.

    Community Resource Fair

    Saturday, May 9, 1:00-3:00 PM 

    Community Partners will be available for a tabling event at the library!

    Partners include: New York Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, Erie County Department of Mental Health, Buffalo Urban League, Rahama, Feedmore WNY & More

    Check out our flyer for more details.

    This is a free program. No registration necessary.

    We the People: A Quilt Belonging

    Quilting Workshop

    Saturday, May 30, 1:00 PM 

    Join teaching artists from Explore & More! In this workshop, we're asking kids to make a quilt squares reflecting their family heritage and connection to Erie County. 

    Participants will be invited to contribute their square to a collaborative, countywide quilt project that is to be displayed by the Library. 

    This is a free program open to children of all ages. Registration Required - visit the front desk or call us 716-823-0630!


    Toddler Time - Spring Session

    April 7 - June 5

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

    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. 

    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!

    Tune the Tale: Music & Stories for Kids

    Saturdays, 11-11:45 AM

    Join us for a joyful, hands-on experience where stories come to life through music! In each 45-minute session, children and caregivers explore a picture book using rhythm, movement, instruments, and vocal play.

    Designed for ages 4-7, this program supports early literacy, musical development, and creative expression -- while having serious fun.

    This is a free program. No registration is currently required. 

    NOTE: There will be no session on Saturday, April 4.

    Presented by the Erie Niagara Conservatory of Music. Free thanks to support from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, the M&T Charitable Foundation, and Arts Services Inc.


    Adult Craft Circle: Pipe Cleaner Bouquets

    Tuesday, May 5, 6:00 PM to 

    Wednesday, May 20, 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!

    Saturday, May 2, 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

    Saturday, May 2, 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: The Guest List

    Tuesday, May 12, 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 The Guest List by Lucy Foley.

    On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate two people joining their lives together as one. The groom: handsome and charming, a rising television star. The bride: smart and ambitious, a magazine publisher. It's a wedding for a magazine, or for a celebrity: the designer dress, the remote location, the luxe party favors, the boutique whiskey.

    As the champagne is popped and the festivities begins, resentments and petty jealousies begin to mingle with the well wishes. The bride's oldest (male) friend gives and uncomfortably caring toast. And then someone turns up dead. Who didn't wish the happy couple well? And perhaps more important, why? 

    This is a free program. No registration necessary.

    Evening Stitch Salon

    Wednesday, May 13, 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 at our Stitch Salon!

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

    Due to popular demand, we've added one more monthly session! Now, you can choose from a weekday evening and weekday morning session.

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

    Teen Haunt

    Saturday, May 23, 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: Kawaii Clay Food

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

    Evening Cup Book Club: The Island of Sea Women

    Wednesday, May 27, 6:00 PM

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

    We'll be talking about Lisa See's The Island of Sea Women.

    Learn how friendship can stand through not only the test of time but War War II, The Korean War, colonialism, as they navigate these divides. 

    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

    March's Spice of the Month: Wasabi Powder

    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.

    *Follow Us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for more Programming and other updates!