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


    Toddler Time

    January 6 - February 27

    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 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!

    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.

    No registration required for this program. 

    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.

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


    Adult Craft Circle: Embroidered Heart Cards

    Tuesday, February 3, 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!

    Free program. Ages 18+ only.

    BINGO!

    Saturday, February 7, 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, February 7, 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.

    Free and open to kids ages 6-12.

    Tuesday Murder Club: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

    Tuesday, February 10, 6:00 PM

    A monthly book club exploring the murder genre.

    The peaceful English village of King's Abbot is stunned when the widow Ferrars dies from an overdose of Veronal. 

    Not twenty-four hours later, Roger Ackroyd - the man she had planned to marry - is murdered. It is a baffling case involving blackmail and death that taxes Hercule Poirot's "little grey cells" before he reaches one of the most startling conclusions of his career.

    Considered to be one of Agatha Christie's greatest and most controversial mysteries.

    Free and open to the public. 

    Bilingual Youth Social

    Wednesday, February 18, 5:00 PM

    Join our new bilingual youth club! We'll be telling stories and having conversations, all while learning new words and phrases in English and Arabic! 

    Free and open to youth of all ages.

    Stitch Salon

    Thursday, February 19, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Join fellow crocheters, knitters, and other fiber artists on the main floor of the Lackawanna Library.

    Bring your latest project or start something new, and make some new crafty friends!

    All experience levels welcome! There is no formal instruction, but feel free to ask for tips and share ideas.

    Free and open to the public. 

    Note: Not a librarian-run program.

    Teen Haunt

    Saturday, February 28, 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: Journal Decorating

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

    Spice Explorers Spice of the Month Club

    February's Spice of the Month: Cajun Seasoning

    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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