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. Visiting us for the first time? Take a tour using our social narrative.

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.

Memorial Book Dedications

Honor your loved one. Dedicate a book to the Lancaster community in their memory. A brand new book will be added to our adult or children’s collection and a bookplate will be inserted celebrating the life of your loved one. Complete our form and return it to 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

Kits
We have a variety of kits available for a 7-day loan. Kits must be returned to the Lancaster Library information desk during open hours.

Learning Kits - Borrow adult coloring, birdwatching, hiking, family gardening, advanced gardening, butterfly watching, and fishing rods.
Literacy Kits - Borrow The Hungry Little Caterpillar, letters, colors & shapes, knitting & crocheting, fairy tales STEM, numbers, handwriting, and phonics.
Memory Kits - These kits feature a variety of items to inspire memories, discussion, and interaction with people experiencing memory loss. Themes are: animals, movies/ tv, history, and games.

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.

PROGRAMS

Winter Reading Raffle: 4 big prizes!
December 5 - February 24
Checkout books to win. Kids 12 and under receive a raffle ticket for every 5 print books checked out. Teens 13-17 receive a raffle ticket for every 3 books checked-out. Bring your checkout receipt to the information desk to receive a raffle ticket. Prizes: (#1) dinosaur snow tube, (#2) mega science lab, (#3) arts and crafts kit, (#4) youth snowshoes. Prizes are funded by contributions from our generous donors.

Winter Reading Log
December 5 - February 24
Stop by the desk for a reading log. For every book you read, color in a snowflake on the reading log. Next, draw a scene from your favorite book in the snow globe. Hand it in when finished for a prize. Ages 17 and under.

Craft and Carry
All December long
Stop by and pick up a winter-themed craft. Ages 5-12.

STEM Kits: Gumdrop Tree
All December long
Create your own gumdrop tree by picking up a STEM kit to experiment with at home. For ages 7 and up. While supplies last.

LEGO® Club
Saturday, December 3, 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.

Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays, December 6 - 20, 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. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Toddler Storytime
Tuesdays, December 6 - 20, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Fridays, December 9 - 23, 18, 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. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Computer Coach
Tuesdays, December 6, 13, 20, & 27, 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: Tablet devices, borrowing eBooks/ Libby & hoopla apps, 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.

Tech Training: Digital Magazines
Thursday, December 8, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
In addition to eBooks and eAudiobooks, the Library's app Libby offers digital versions of popular magazines. Learn how to get Libby, what magazines are available, and how to read them. Ages 17 and up. Please bring your fully charged device, any usernames/ passwords associated with it, and your B&CEPL library card. Registration required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

YA Book Club
Thursday, December 8, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Join us as we discuss An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. Registration required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Lapsit
Fridays, December 9 - 23, 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. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Manga/ Anime Workshop
Saturday, December 10, 11:00 - 12:30 p.m.
Join us for a free Manga art workshop (focus on faces and bodies) presented by award-winning cartoonist Tom Paul Fox. Ages 8-14. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Paws for Love: Read to a Dog
Saturday, December 10, 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.

Christmas Crafts with the Lancaster Youth Bureau
Wednesday, December 14, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Create fun Christmas 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.

Gingerbread House Workshop
Saturday, December 17, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. (session 1) & 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (session 2)
Create and decorate a gingerbread house. Ages 5-12. Registration required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

Kidding Around Yoga
Monday, December 19, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Come and enjoy yoga poses, fun music, storytelling, yoga games, elf poses, 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.

Happy Noon Year's Party
Friday, December 30, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Countdown to the New Year in a new way for kids. Create crafts, read stories, and join in on a countdown to noon to celebrate the New Year. Recommended for children 6 and under, older siblings welcome to join us. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Friday, December 9.

Kidding Around Yoga
Monday, January 9, 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. Bring a yoga mat or towel. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Monday, December 12.

Computer Coach
Tuesdays, January 10, 17, 24, & 31, 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: Tablet devices, borrowing eBooks/ Libby & hoopla apps, 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. Registration begins Tuesday, December 13.

LEGO® Club
Saturday, January 14, 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. Registration begins Saturday, December 3.

Paws for Love: Read to a Dog
Saturday, January 21, 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. Registration begins Friday, December 9.

Family Kidding Around Yoga
Sunday, January 22, 1:00 - 1:45 p.m.
Join us for a new yoga class. Come and enjoy yoga poses, fun music, mindfulness activities, and a very special guided relaxation time. For children ages 4-11 with adult participation. Bring a yoga mat or towel. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Monday, December 19.

Free Math Help
Tuesdays, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
NYS certified math teacher Catherine Thielmann will be available at the library by appointment. For grades 2-9. Sign-up for a free 20-minute appointment at the information desk or call 716-683-1120.

Mahjong Club
Wednesdays, 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 4:15 p.m. in the Lancaster Public Library's Community Room unless otherwise noted.