Lackawanna Public Library

Lackawanna Public Library
Library Info

560 Ridge Rd.
Lackawanna, NY 14218
United States

716-823-0630
Fax: 716-827-1997
Pamela Edholm, 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


    Eclipse Program with the Buffalo Museum of Science

    Wednesday, April 3rd, 6:00-7:00 PM

    Have you heard about it? Buffalo will be in the path of totality on Monday, April 8th, 2024! Come to this program to learn all about the science behind this special solar eclipse! Presented by the Buffalo Museum of Science. All Ages. Registration recommended. Please call 716-823-6030.

    Digital Navigation: Tech Training 1 on 1 

    Friday, April 5th, 12th, and 19th, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

    Tech experts will be on hand on Fridays at the Lackawanna Library to offer 1 on 1 technology assistance. Walk-ins welcome. This program is a partnership with Mission: Ignite. Please call 716-823-7248 for more information.

    Bluey Bash

    Friday, April 5th, 2:00-3:00 PM

    Come join our Bluey Bash! Play keepy uppy, fancy restaurant, magic xylophone, grannies, and more! Best for kids and parents together as we will have lots of interactive stations from which to choose. Call 716-823-0630 for more information!

    Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables with FeedMore WNY

    Saturday, April 6th, 12:00-1:00 PM

    Join Feedmore WNY for a free workshop including a recipe demonstration, tasting samples, an educational and interactive discussion as well as a free kitchen tool or utensil as a thank you to all participants. Call 716-823-0630 for more information.

    Friends of the Lackawanna Library Organizational Meeting

    Tuesday, April 9th, 6:00-7:00 PM

    Want to make a difference in your community? Do you love your library? Come to this meeting and discover what the Friends of the Lackawanna Library are all about.

    Friends of the Library do many things:

    • Create public support and awareness for the library and its programs
    • Raise funds for the capital campaigns and for items not in the library's direct budget
    • Advocate for the library
    • Sponsor library programs and events
    • and so much more!

    Coffee House LA

    Wednesday, April 10th, 6:00-7:30 PM

    For National Library Week, The Friends of the Lackawanna Public Library present: Coffee House LA!

    We're seeking performers to read original poetry, literature, or perform a musical piece. Performers MUST register in advance by calling 716-823-0630 or stopping by the front desk of the Lackawanna Public Library. 

    Refreshments will be served. Please call 716-823-0630 for more information.

    Taylor Swift's "The Tortured Poet Department" Launch Party

    Saturday, April 20th, 1:00-2:00 PM

    Come join the Lackawanna Library and listen to Taylor Swift's new album, make buttons, design friendship bracelets, create blackout poetry, put your Swiftie knowledge to the test & more! 

    Henna Party for Teens

    Saturday, April 27th, 1:00-2:00 PM

    In celebration of Arab American Heritage Month, youth ages 12-17 can come learn all about the art of Henna tattoos. Registration is required. Limit of 20 participants. All participants MUST have a completed parent/guardian permission form to participate in the event. Please call 716-823-0630 or stop by the front desk to register.

     

    Left: Illustration of an owl. Middle: "Weekly Programs". Right: Illustration of two children.

    Toddler Time

    Tuesdays and Fridays 10:30-11:30 AM

    Join us on Tuesday and Friday mornings to sing songs, make crafts and have fun with Miss Lisa and Miss Patti!

    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!

     

    Left: Illustration of a stack of books. Middle: "Monthly Programs" Right: Illustration of a watercolor set.

    Bingo!

    Saturday, April 6th at 1:00 PM

    All ages! Play for fabulous prizes!

    LEGO Club

    Saturday, April 6th at 2:00 PM.

    Come for BINGO. Stay and build!

    Recommended ages 5-12. Build your masterpiece and have it on display all month in the library.

    Adult Craft Circle

    Tuesday, April 2nd at 6:00 PM

    For adults. We will be making painted canvas tote bags. Registration strongly encourage. Call 716-823-0630.

    Bird Nerd Game Night

    Tuesday, April 16th at 5:00-7:00 PM

    Join us for a fun bird-themed gaming night here at the Lackawanna Public Library. We will have the popular game Wingspan available to play from 5-6PM then several rounds of bird-themed trivia at 6 PM. Light refreshments provided. Registration required. Ages 14 and up. Please call 716-823-0630 to reserve your spot!

    Community Book Club

    Wednesday, April 24th at 6:00 PM.

    April's book is Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver.

    Spice Explorers

    Spice of the Month Club

    April's spice of the month is cumin. 

    Stop in and take a spice packet and a brochure providing fun facts, 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.

    Teen Grab & Go Craft

    April's craft is black out poetry!

    For ages 12 - 18. Stop in and grab a craft kit from our Young Adult Fiction area. 1 kit per person, while supplies last. Glue and scissors not included. Please see a staff member if you need to borrow supplies.

     

    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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