Lancaster Public Library

Lancaster Public Library
Library Info

5466 Broadway
Lancaster, NY 14086
United States

716-683-1120
Fax: 716-686-0749
Kara Stock, Director

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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 15 public computers for adults, 2 with flatbed scanners, and 4 public computers for children. Adult computers have internet access and Microsoft Office. 3 laptops are available to check out and use in the library. Computers automatically shut down ten minutes prior to closing.

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.

Book Donations [click here] 
The library will accept two medium size bags of donations. Books, DVDs, CDs, and puzzles are all accepted.  Items must be in very good condition.

Sustainability 
The Lancaster Public Library is committed to reducing the Library’s impact on the environment and modeling green practices for our community. The Library is a member of the Sustainable Libraries Initiative and is working to become certified sustainable. The Sustainable Libraries Certification Program encourages libraries to integrate the principles of triple bottom line sustainability – environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically feasible practices – into their policies and actions.

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. Read their By-laws, Conflict of Interest Policy, and their 2023 Annual Report.

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.

Lancaster Public Library Policies

System-Wide Policies

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

  • Lancaster Public Library

    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.

    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 5 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! View our selection of gardening books.

    Yard Games

    PROGRAMS

    Summer Reading Raffle- 4 BIG prizes
    Now - August 22
    Check out books to win! Kids 12 & 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: Squishmallows, games, grill play set, and a grand city station. Prizes are funded by contributions from our generous donors.

    Summer Reading Log/Challenge and BINGO
    Now - August 31
    Kids: Read 10 books, color in a reading log or complete a reading challenge and turn it in for a fun prize. Ages 17 and under. 
    Teens & Adults: Grab a BINGO board and read. Turn in your card at the information desk and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a giant Sorry® game or pickleball set.

    Lancaster Village Scavenger Hunt
    Now - August 31
    Travel around the Village of Lancaster and spot the images on your scavenger hunt flyer (available to pickup at the Lancaster Library). Collect a sticker from each location and write the name of the location on the line. Once you complete this hunt, turn in your flyer at the Lancaster Library for a chance to win a camping set (tent and two sleeping bags). For all ages.

    Frosty's Coupons Scavenger Hunt
    Now - August 31
    Find a coupon for Frosty's Ice Cream in the children's section 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.

    STEM Kits: DIY Solar Oven
    All July long
    Create a DIY solar oven by picking up a free STEM kit to experiment with at home. For ages 7 and up. While supplies last.

    Science Saturday
    Saturday, July 27, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Join us for fun experiments such as DIY lip balm, elephant toothpaste, and grow a rainbow. Ages 7-15. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Joy of Trains
    Saturday, July 27, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
    Join us in the children’s area with an impressive interactive toy train collection that all will enjoy! Presented by Dean Hunneshagen. A family friendly hands-on event for all ages. No registration required.

    Toddler Time
    Tuesday, July 30, 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.

    Paws for Love: Read to a Dog
    Monday, July 29, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 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.

    Preschool Storytime
    Tuesday, July 30, 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.

    T'ai Chi Chih
    Wednesday, July 31, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    T'ai Chi Chih movements are practiced softly with no impact. No particular level of physical fitness, coordination, special clothing or equipment required. Denise Miller is an accredited teacher who has been sharing this wonderful practice with students for many years. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Bead Art
    Wednesday, July 31, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Create bead jewelry. Ages 6-12. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

     

    STEM Kits: Wind Chimes
    All August long
    Create your own wind chimes by picking up a free STEM kit to experiment with at home. For ages 7 and up. While supplies last.

    Reading is Magic Show
    Thursday, August 1, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    A fun magic show celebrating reading. For all ages. Registration is required: register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Family Storytime
    Thursdays, August 1 - 22, 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.
    Join Miss Meg as she reads stories, has bubbles, and sings songs. Recommended for ages 6 and under, but older siblings are welcome to join us! Registration required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Lapsit
    Fridays, August 2 - 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.

    Art Magic
    Saturday, August 3, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
    A wonderful, fun program of sketching, magic, and silliness. Presented by award-winning cartoonist and picture book illustrator Tom Paul Fox. All ages. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Teen Self-Defense Class
    Monday, August 5, 1:00 - 1:45 p.m.
    Learn how to protect yourself. Teens will warm up, do a meditation, and learn some basic self-defense techniques. Ages 12-18. Instructed by Sensei Thomas Smith of Sumisu Dojo. Registration required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Preschool Storytime
    Tuesdays, August 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 Time
    Tuesdays, August 6 - 20, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Fridays, August 2 - 23, 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.

    Royal Dance Party
    Tuesday, August 6, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Move and groove with us for a special dance party with Elsa from Frozen. Costumes are encouraged! All ages. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Computer Coach
    Tuesdays, August 6, 13, 20, & 27, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Thursdays, August 8 & 22, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    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 & cell phone 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.

    Crafternoon
    Wednesday, August 7, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Celebrate the summer with an afternoon of crafts and games. Crafts include paint/decorate your own treasure chest, create your own binoculars, and make your own journal. Ages 5-12. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Hawk Creek Wildlife Center
    Thursday, August 8, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Talk on the Wild Side, a program featuring 6 animal ambassadors. For all ages. Registration is required: register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    LEGO® Club
    Saturday, August 10, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. (session 1) & 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (session 2)
    Join us for a 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.

    Hula Hoop Crafting Workshop
    Monday, August 12, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    This hands-on program includes: the secret to finding the perfect sized hoop, create and decorate handmade hoops, and learn beginner-friendly hooping moves. Ages 6-15. Presented by Benjamin Berry. Thank you to the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation for funding this program. Registration required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Escape Room
    Tuesday, August 13, 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 is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Summer Crafts with the Lancaster Youth Bureau
    Wednesday, August 14, 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.

    Zoomobile
    Thursday, August 15, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Learn about animals with the Buffalo Zoo. For all ages. Registration is required: register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Feelings Rock
    Saturday, August 17, 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
    Feelings Rock is a kids' music and movement class that is geared for infants through age 5. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Kidding Around Yoga
    Monday, August 19, 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.

    Read to Lucy the Dog
    Tuesday, August 20, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Pick out a book and practice reading out loud to Lucy, 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.

    Meditation and Mindfulness
    Tuesday, August 20, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Receive a brief introduction about mindfulness, learn tools and tips for meditation, and enjoy a calming meditation. Discussion and Q&A will follow. Questions? Email Ellen Marie Beagle at newroots2life@gmail.com. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. 

    Wondermakers: World of Wonders
    Thursday, August 22, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    The Wondermakers present interactive folk tales from around the world. For all ages. Registration is required: register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Paws for Love: Read to a Dog
    Friday, August 26, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 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.

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

    Baubles and Bling Jewelry Donations
    May 1 - August 31
    The Friends of the Lancaster Library are now accepting donations of jewelry (and cotton boxes) for their November fundraiser. All proceeds will benefit the library. Thank you for your support.

    Individuals in need of an accommodation for any of the above programs may contact the ADA Coordinator at access@buffalolib.org within 7 days of the program.