Lancaster Public Library

Library Info

5466 Broadway
Lancaster, NY 14086
United States

Fax: 716-686-0749

Kara Stock, Director

Located in the heart of the historic village of Lancaster on Broadway (Route 20) east of Central Avenue. Recently expanded parking lot available behind the library off of School Street. Wheelchair accessible.

Entrances

The library has two accessible entrances, a walkable one on 5466 Broadway and a parking lot entrance behind the library off of School Street.

Bike Racks

The library has a bike rack located at the Broadway entrance and one located in the parking lot behind the library. Bikes should always be securely locked.

What’s Special about the Lancaster Public Library

Lancaster’s first library was organized in 1821 by veterans of the Revolution and the War of 1812. Read the full history of our library here. The current building was completed in 1975 and houses approximately 60,000 volumes including a large selection of children’s picture books. Special collections available to borrow include: local history, large print, graphic novels and manga, biographies, classic movies, a range of TV series and a Seed Library.

We also have a large non-circulating local history collection. Materials include: Lancaster & Depew, Lancaster Public Library, Yearbooks, WNY, New York State, and United States History.

Interested in visiting with your school or group? Drop off a completed Group Visit Request Form.

Read by our beautiful working copper fireplace.

Fireplace at Lancaster Library

Computers

The library has 19 public computers for adults, 2 with flatbed scanners, and 4 public computers for children. Adult computers have internet access and Microsoft Office 2016. 6 laptops are available to check out and use in the library.

Printing is 10 cents black and white per page, 25 cents color per page.

WiFi is also available throughout the library.

We now offer Mobile Printing from your phone or other devices.

Copy Machine

Black and white copies only. 15 cents per page for 8 ½ x 11, 30 cents per page for 8 ½ x 14.

Meeting Room

Please contact the library to inquire about availability and submit a completed application.

Donated Book Guidelines

Please read our guidelines before dropping off donations. Up to two (2) medium sized boxes or bags will be accepted once per day

Friends of the Lancaster Library

The mission of the Friends of the Lancaster Library is to provide funding for Sunday hours. They are a 501(c)(3) organization. Membership forms are available here and inside the library.

Amazon Smile

When shopping online, use Amazon Smile and 0.5% of your purchase will go to the Lancaster Public Library. Search for “Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Lancaster, NY” or click https://smile.amazon.com/ch/16-6002581.

Lancaster Public Library Policies

System-Wide Policies

The Lancaster Library is a member of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System.

What’s Happening

Learning Kits
We have several learning and exploration kits available for a 7-day loan. Borrow an adult coloring kit, birdwatching kit, hiking kit, family gardening kit, and advanced gardener kit. New: Fishing rod kits! Kits must be returned to the Lancaster Library information desk during open hours.

Literacy Kits
We have several literacy kits to enrich learning for children ages 2 and up. Borrow The Hungry Little Caterpillar kit, Letters kit, Colors & shapes kit, Knitting & Crocheting kit, Fairy Tales STEM kit (theme changes monthly), or Numbers kit. Kits must be returned to the Lancaster Library information desk during open hours. 7-day loan, adult check-out only. These kits are funded from a Beacon grant from the Elks National Foundation.

Memory Kits
Do you have a family member or friend experiencing memory loss? Do you work in an assisted living facility or a nursing home? Memory kits feature a variety of items to inspire memories, discussion, and interaction with people experiencing memory loss. Each kit contains activities such as puzzles, games, books, DVDs, and CDs. Themes are: animals, movies/ tv, history, and games. Kits must be returned to the Lancaster Public Library information desk during open hours.

Seed Library
Our seed library provides free seeds for our community to grow and share. We have a variety of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds. Patrons/ families are allowed up to 4 seed packets per year. Seeds have been donated by patrons and seed companies. Seeds can be donated to our library by completing a donation form and bringing the form and seeds to the information desk. It's our goal for the library to promote gardening, seed saving, and seed sharing. Happy gardening!

Yard Games
We have several yard games available for a 7-day loan. Borrow Corn Hole, Giant Jenga, Ring Toss, Bocce, Lawn Darts, Croquet, or Kan Jam for your next party! Yard games must be returned to the Lancaster Library information desk during open hours.

200 Book Recommendations for our 200th Anniversary

PROGRAMS
Did you miss an online program? Please check out our playlists at https://www.facebook.com/pg/LancasterLib/videos/ for archived videos.

Reading Raffle: 4 BIG prizes
Now - August 18
Kids 12 and under receive 1 raffle ticket for every 5 print books checked out. Teens 13-17 receive 1 raffle ticket for every 3 print books checked out. Prizes include a tent, telescope, LEGOs, and splash pad. Bring your checkout receipt to the desk to receive a ticket. Prizes are funded by contributions from our generous donors.

Kids Reading Log
Now - August 31
Read 10 books, color in a reading log, and turn it in for a prize. Ages 17 and under.

BINGO Reading Log
Now - August 31
Teens and adults: Grab a BINGO board and read. Turn in your card at the info desk and you'll be entered into a drawing to win a Fitbit. Prizes and funded by contributions from our various donors.

Lancaster Village Scavenger Hunt
Now - August 31
Pick up a scavenger hunt flyer at the library. Collect stickers from select Lancaster Village businesses. Businesses with sea creatures in the windows have stickers. Turn in your completed flyer to be entered to win an outdoor-themed prize package. For all ages.

Scavenger Hunt: Frosty's Ice Cream Coupons
Now - August 31
Find a coupon for Frosty's Ice Cream in the children's area of the library. Several coupons will be hidden each day. For kids up to age 12. Limit 1 coupon per child. Coupons are courtesy of the Leary family.

Craft and Carry
All July long
Stop by and pick up a summer-themed craft. For ages 5-12.

STEM Kits: Outdoor Chalk Paint
All July long
Create with outdoor chalk paint by picking up a STEM kit to experiment with at home. For ages 7 and up. While supplies last.

Makerspace Thursdays
Thursdays, July 7 & 21, August 4 & 18, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join us for hands-on STEM activities. For ages 6-12. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Circus for All
Thursday, July 7 at 1:00 p.m.
In this performance based program, circus artist Benjamin Berry will share his expertise of prop-based circus arts. For all ages. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Drop-in LEGO
Fridays, July 8 - August 12, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Drop in and create with LEGOs. No need to bring your bricks, just bring your imagination and create! For ages 5 and up. No registration required. Please note this program is different than the monthly Lego Club program.

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
Monday, July 11, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive ability and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. Presented by the WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Registration required: Register online at https://tinyurl.com/HLFYBBL or call 800-272-3900.

Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays, July 12 - August 16, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Join Miss Meg as she reads stories, has bubbles, and hands out a craft to make at home. For ages 3-5. Registration required and space is limited. Registration is for all 6 sessions. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Toddler Storytime
Tuesdays, July 12 - August 16, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join Miss Meg as she reads stories, has bubbles, and hands out a craft to make at home. For ages 2-3. Registration required and space is limited. Registration is for all 6 sessions. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Painting with Friends
Tuesday, July 12, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Learn to paint a shark silhouette painting. Ages 12-17. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Computer Coach
Tuesdays, July 12, 19, & 29, and August 9, 16, 23, & 30, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Need a computer coach? We can help. A staff member can assist you with computer related topics in a one-on-one session. These free sessions are not designed to troubleshoot computer problems or repair hardware. Suggested topics include: Tablet devices, borrowing eBooks/ Libby app, Microsoft Office, scanning, computer basics, internet searching, online library catalog, or email attachments. Please call 716-683-1120 or stop in to schedule your appointment.

Wednesday Crafternoons
Wednesdays, July 13 - August 24
Create under the sea-themed crafts. For ages 5-12. Themes include terrariums, DIY bubbles, sharks, ocean, mermaid, boats/ boat race, pirates, and dolphins. Registration required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Summertime Crafts with the Lancaster Youth Bureau
Wednesdays, July 13 & August 17, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Create fun summer-themed crafts with the Lancaster Youth Bureau. For ages 5-12. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Village of Lancaster Construction Updates
Wednesday, July 13, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Lynne Ruda, the Mayor of the Village of Lancaster, will give an update on village construction projects, including the roundabouts and Cayuga Creek Park. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

A Magic Show with Cris Johnson
Thursday, July 14 at 1:00 p.m.
Cris Johnson will perform a fun magic show themed "An Ocean of Possibilities." For all ages. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Lapsit
Fridays, July 15 - August 12, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Join Miss Meg as she reads stories, has bubbles, and sings songs. For ages 3-23 months. Registration required and space is limited. Registration is for all 5 sessions. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Family Storytime
Fridays, July 15 - August 12, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join Miss Meg as she reads stories, has bubbles, and sings songs. For ages 6 and under (older siblings welcome). Registration required and space is limited. Registration is for all 5 sessions. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

LEGO Club
Saturday, July 16, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. (session 1) & 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (session 2)
Saturday, August 13, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. (session 1) & 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (session 2)
Join us for an in-person 30 minute LEGO Club. Each month we will have a theme to build your own creation to be displayed in the library. Children will have their own set of bricks. Ages 6-12. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Chicken BBQ
Sunday, July 17, noon until sold out
BW's Chicken BBQ: $13. Chicken dinner includes potato salad, coleslaw, roll with butter, and a cookie. Take out only. Location: Parking lot behind the library. All proceeds to help keep the library open on Sundays during the school year. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lancaster Public Library.

Paws for Love: Read to a Dog
Monday, July 18, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Pick out a book and practice reading out loud to a therapy dog in the library. Improve literacy skills and reading confidence! For ages 4 and up. Call 716-683-1120 or stop in to sign-up for a 15 minute reading session.

Splish Splash (Oceans of Fun)
Thursday, July 21 at 1:00 p.m.
The Wondermakers present interactive folk tales from around the world. For all ages. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Kidding Around Yoga
Monday, July 25, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Monday, August 22, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Come and enjoy yoga poses, fun music, storytelling, yoga games, and a very special guided relaxation time. For ages 3-6. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Escape from the Library
Tuesday, July 26, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Solve puzzles and clues to escape a room in the library before time runs out. Ages 12-17. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Albright-Knox Art Truck
Thursday, July 28 at 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The art truck is a mobile center for hands-on art making that brings art activities to everyone. Located in the parking lot. For all ages. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Blood Drive
Thursday, July 28, 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Donate blood with the American Red Cross. Location: Meeting room. Schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org.

BubbleMania!
Thursday, July 28 at 1:00 p.m.
Doug Rougeux will present an interactive family friendly pop music concert with soap bubbles. For all ages. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Craft and Carry
All August long
Stop by and pick up a summer-themed craft. For ages 5-12.

STEM Kits: Straw Rockets
All August long
Create and launch a straw rocket by picking up a STEM kit to experiment with at home. For ages 7 and up. While supplies last.

Botanical Gardens Terrarium Workshop
Monday, August 1, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Each child will learn about what plants need to grow while creating the perfect habitat for a tropical plant they can take home. Ages 6-12. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

In Jest Comedy Variety Show
Thursday, August 4 at 1:00 p.m.
Experience one-of-a-kind, knock-your-socks off comedy, juggling, and stunts by performer Nels Ross. For all ages. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

What does a Mayor Do?
Monday, August 8, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Meet the village of Lancaster mayor, Lynne Ruda, and learn about her job. Ages 6-12. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Comic Book Club
Tuesday, August 9, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Comic book club is the place for kids who love to read, draw, write, and learn about new comics or graphic novels. Ages 8-14. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Hawk Creek Wildlife Center
Thursday, August 11 at 1:00 p.m.
Talk on the Wild Side, a program featuring 6 animal ambassadors. For all ages. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Paws for Love: Read to a Dog
Monday, August 15, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Pick out a book and practice reading out loud to a therapy dog in the library. Improve literacy skills and reading confidence! For ages 4 and up. Call 716-683-1120 or stop in to sign-up for a 15 minute reading session.

Nan Hoffman and Joe Tumino
Thursday, August 18 at 1:00 p.m.
A family concert celebrating our connection to the gifts of water. For all ages. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Mahjong Club
Every Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Play the Chinese version of Mahjong. No registration necessary.

Board Info

Lancaster Public Library Board Info

Annual Report

2021 Annual Report

Public Health Emergency Operations Plan

Board of Trustees

Suzanne Jacobs, President
Kenneth Graber, Vice President
Jan Yarborough, Treasurer
Barbara Tamol, Secretary
Gary Howell
Kristyn Wind

The Lancaster Public Library Board of Trustees meets the second Thursday of the month at 4:00 p.m. in the Lancaster Public Library's Community Room unless otherwise noted.