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.

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Instagram

Take a look at our Virtual Tour of the Library

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


    Haunted Tours

    Wednesdays in October, 6:30 PM

    Ever heard about the hauntings at the Lackawanna Public Library? For the first time, we're taking patrons around restricted parts of our building and diving into the haunted history.

    Tickets are $20 each and VERY LIMITED. Call or stop by the front desk to get your tickets (we are cash only).

    Adult Bingo

    Saturday, October 11, 1:00 PM

    Stop by the library with your friends and play BINGO to win prizes! 

    (This is a spin on our family BINGO, which still takes place on Saturday, October 4 at 1 PM!)

    Free program open to the public. No registration required.

    Tech Trainer

    Tuesday, October 14, 3-7 PM

    Register for a 45-minute time slot to meet with our tech trainer! Get help with Android basics, iPhone or iPad basics, cloud services, Microsoft Office basics, computer files, simple digital editing, Canva, or social media.

    Free program open to the public. Call or stop by the front desk to register. 

    Fall Festival

    Saturday, October 18, 1:00 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.

    Coin Collecting Talk

    Tuesday, October 21, 6:00 PM

    Learn how to collect coins and how to protect your collection!

    Free program open to the public.

    Author Talk with Sudhir Suchak

    Wednesday, October 22, 6:00 PM

    Meet local author Sudhir Suchak and learn about his moving book The Last Boat to Freedom.

    Free program open to the public. No registration required.

    Scary Story Hour with Rochester Candlelight Ghost Walks

    Saturday, October 25, 1:00 PM

    Meet the paranormal team that investigates the Lackawanna Library! 

    Hear real ghost stories and learn about the evidence caught within the library.

    Free program open to the public. No registration necessary.


    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: Halloween Lanterns

    Tuesday, October 7, 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, October 4, 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, October 4, 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: The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

    Tuesday, October 14, 6:00 PM

    A monthly book club exploring the murder genre.

    Upstate NY, 1982. Every small town like Fell, New York, has a place like the Sun Down Motel. Some guests are from out of town; others are locals, trying to hide their secrets.

    Viv Delaney works as the night clerk to pay for her move to New York City, but something isn't right at Sun Down Motel, and before long, she's determined to uncover all of the hidden secrets.

    Free and open to the public. 

    Community Book Club: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

    Wednesday, October 29, 6:00 PM

    Glamorous socialite Noemi receives a frantic letter from her newlywed cousin begging to be rescued from a mysterious doom. Pretty soon, Noemi finds herself experiencing dreams invaded by visions of blood and doom, yet she finds herself mesmerized by the terrifying and seductive world of dark family secrets. Will she ever be able to leave this enigmatic house behind? 

    Free and open to the public. Refreshments provided.

    Spice Explorers Spice of the Month Club

    September's Spice of the Month: Paprika!

    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!