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. Download PDF to read the full history of our library . 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(pdf), Lancaster Public Library(pdf), Yearbooks(pdf), WNY(pdf), New York State(pdf), and United States History(pdf). 

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

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 Facility Use application. 

Book Donations(pdf) 
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. Download PDF of Membership form or get one inside the library. Read their By-laws(pdf), Conflict of Interest Policy(pdf), and their 2023 Annual Report(pdf).

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(pdf) 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 (pdf)
    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 (pdf) 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 (pdf).

    Yard Games (pdf)

    PROGRAMS

    STEM Kits: Spider Web Challenge (pdf)
    All October long
    Create your own spider web challenge by picking up a free STEM kit to experiment with at home. For ages 7 and up. While supplies last.

    Creepy Carrots StoryWalk®
    All October long
    Visit this interactive StoryWalk® in the children’s area of the library to read the story Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds. No registration required.

    No Carve Pumpkin Decorating Contest
    Pumpkin pickup/registration: 101 - 10/6
    Pumpkin drop-off: by 10/19
    In-library voting: 10/20 - 10/31
    Participate in our no-carve pumpkin decorating contest. Provide your own pumpkin or stop by the library to register and pick up a pumpkin (while supplies last). Each pumpkin must have a library or book theme. Pumpkins will be displayed in the library for voting. Three winners (Halloween LEGO® prizes) will be awarded on Thursday, October 31 at 3:00 p.m.

    Teen Book Box (pdf)
    Signup week of October 7
    Pickup week of October 27
    Teens ages 12-17 can receive a fun, personalized box of library books. Fill out a survey to let us know what you like to read, then pick up your box of hand-picked library books and fun surprises. Pickup your box the week of October 27. When finished, bring back the books and box, but keep the rest. To register to receive a box and complete the survey, please stop by the library. Parent/guardian must be present at sign-up.

    Preschool Storytime (pdf)
    Tuesdays, October 8 - 29, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
    Join Miss Meg as she reads stories, has bubbles, and sings songs. For ages 3-5. Registration required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Toddler Time (pdf)
    Tuesdays, October 8 - 29, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Thursdays, October 10 - 31, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Fridays, October 11 - 25, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Join Miss Meg as she reads stories, has bubbles, and sings songs. For ages 2-3. Registration required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Computer Coach (pdf)
    Tuesdays, October 8, 15, 22, & 29, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Thursdays, October 10, 17, 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.

    T'ai Chi Chih (pdf)
    Wednesdays, October 9, 23, & 30, 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 is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Halloween Crafts with the Lancaster Youth Bureau (pdf)
    Wednesday, October 9, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
    Create fun Halloween-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.

    Cupcake Wars (pdf)
    Wednesday, October 9, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
    Join the Storybook Cook, Liz Bauld, as she presents a Cupcake Competition! Bring your creativity and sense of fun as you decorate cupcakes; no previous experience needed. You will be given different categories and some fun accessories to aid in your artistic, but delicious efforts. Ages 18+. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Lapsit (pdf)
    Thursdays, October 10 - 31, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
    Fridays, October 11 - 25, 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.

    Middle Grade Book Club (pdf)
    Thursday, October 10, 6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
    Join us as we discuss Small Spaces by Katherine Arden. For ages 10-13. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Paws for Love: Read to a Dog (pdf)
    Saturday, October 12, 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. 

    Halloween Dance Party (pdf)
    Monday, October 14, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Dance your Heart Out! This fun-filled, interactive Halloween dance-along with dancer/choreographer Cindy Hanna includes movin' and groovin' to upbeat tempos along with contemporary styles reflective to the audience. Costumes are encouraged. All ages. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Credit and Money Management (pdf)
    Wednesday, October 16, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
    Learn how to make good financial decisions. Learn about establishing or increasing your credit score, creating a budget, how to read a credit report and what can be done to correct errors affecting your credit rating. Led by a HOPE Financial Wellbeing Coach. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Homeschool LEGO® Club (pdf)
    Thursday, October 17, 1:00 - 1:30 p.m.
    Come and create with LEGOS®. Each month we'll have a theme to build your own creation to be displayed in the library. No need to bring your bricks, just bring your imagination and create. Ages 5-17. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Young Adult Book Club (pdf)
    Thursday, October 17, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
    Join us as we discuss Trespass Against Us by Leon Kemp. For ages 13-17. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Halloween Spooktacular Party (pdf)
    Saturday, October 19, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
    Stop in for a frightfully good time with candy corn bowling, crafts, and a spooky sensory table. A ballon show by Pastelly Balloon will be at 11:00 a.m. For all ages. Don't forget your costume! Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Family Kidding Around Yoga (pdf)
    Sunday, October 20, 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.
    Come and enjoy yoga poses and experience some fun together time with your family. For ages 4-11 with adult participation. Class is taught by Donna Baia, certified KAY teacher. Please 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.

    Kidding Around Yoga (pdf)
    Monday, October 21, 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.

    New York Spirits (pdf)
    Tuesday, October 22, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
    This show will feature the history of ghosts in New York such as the Amityville Horror House, the Spiritualist Fox Sisters, Fort William Henry Museum, and the Red Coach Inn. Presented by Cris Johnson. Ages 15 and above.  Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. 

    Feelings Rock (pdf)
    Saturday, October 26, 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.

    Ms. Melissa's Sprouts (pdf)
    Monday, October 28, 2:00 - 2:30 p.m.
    Join Ms. Melissa in helping your little one learn and grow through music. For ages birth - age 6. Registration required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    My House is Giving Me a Vibe (pdf)
    Tuesday, October 29, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
    Learn how to research your house's history to explore its potential for paranormal provoking events. This class will use the Central Library in a case study which will show how the library’s property history correlates with its ongoing paranormal phenomena. Presented by Rhonda Hoffman, Genealogy Specialist. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

     

    STEM Kits: Cornucopia Catch Challenge (pdf)
    All November long
    Create your own cornucopia catch by picking up a free STEM kit to experiment with at home. For ages 7 and up. While supplies last.

    LEGO® Club (pdf)
    Saturday, November 2, 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.

    Ms. Melissa's Sprouts (pdf)
    Monday, November 4, 11:15 - 11:45 a.m.
    Join Ms. Melissa in helping your little one learn and grow through music. For ages birth - age 6. Registration required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Monday, October 14.

    Medicare 101: Learn the Basics (pdf)
    Monday, November 4, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Learn about the four parts of Medicare. Enrollment periods, updates to Medicare, and cost saving measures such as the Medicare Savings Program and EPIC will also be covered. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Tuesday, October 7.

    Computer Coach (pdf)
    Tuesdays, November 5, 12, 19, & 26, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Thursday, November 14, 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. Registration begins Tuesday, October 8.

    T'ai Chi Chih (pdf)
    Wednesdays, November 6 - 27, 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 is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Wednesday, October 16.

    Write Your Book Now (pdf)
    Wednesday, November 6, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
    Do you have a book or story in you? Now is the time to write and publish. Author & Illustrator Tom Paul Fox will present a free workshop on what goes into writing and publishing books in the digital age. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Wednesday, November 9.

    Baubles and Bling Fundraiser (pdf)
    Friday, November 8, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    Saturday, November 9, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    Shop the baubles and bling fundraiser and support the library. Items include necklaces, bracelets, earrings, watches, and rings. Sale is located in the library. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lancaster Library. Proceeds to keep the library open on Sundays.

    Paws for Love: Read to a Dog (pdf)
    Saturday, November 9, 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, October 11.

    Preschool Storytime (pdf)
    Tuesdays, November 12 & 19, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
    Join Miss Meg as she reads stories, has bubbles, and sings songs. For ages 3-5. Registration required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Tuesday, October 29.

    Toddler Time (pdf)
    Tuesdays, November 12 & 19, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Thursdays, November 14 & 21, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Fridays, November 1, 15, & 22, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Join Miss Meg as she reads stories, has bubbles, and sings songs. For ages 2-3. Registration required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Tuesday, October 29.

    Thanksgiving Crafts with the Lancaster Youth Bureau (pdf)
    Wednesday, November 13, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
    Create fun Thanksgiving-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. Registration begins Wednesday, October 9.

    Lapsit (pdf)
    Thursdays, November 14 & 21, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
    Fridays, November 1, 15, & 22, 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. Tuesday, October 29.

    Homeschool LEGO® Club (pdf)
    Thursday, November 14, 1:00 - 1:30 p.m.
    Come and create with LEGOS®. Each month we'll have a theme to build your own creation to be displayed in the library. No need to bring your bricks, just bring your imagination and create. Ages 5-17. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Thursday, October 17.

    Middle Grade Book Club
    Thursday, November 14, 6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
    Join us as we discuss a book TBD. For ages 10-13. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Thursday, October 10.

    Bead Art (pdf)
    Saturday, November 16, 11:00 - 12:00 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. Registration begins Saturday, October 19.

    Teen Painting (pdf)
    Saturday, November 16, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Create your own masterpiece with local art teacher Kimberly Strell. All supplies will be provided. Ages 12-17. Registration required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Saturday, October 19.

    Kidding Around Yoga (pdf)
    Monday, October 18, 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, October 21.

    Cancer Services (pdf)
    Thursday, November 21, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    No insurance? High deductible? Looking for services? The Erie County Cancer Services Program can help. Learn about no cost breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings including a FREE at-home colon cancer test kit for those that qualify. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Thursday, October 24.

    Young Adult Book Club
    Thursday, November 21, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
    Join us as we discuss Trespass Against Us by Leon Kemp. For ages 13-17. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Thursday, October 17.

    Feelings Rock (pdf)
    Saturday, November 23, 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. Registration begins Saturday, October 26.

    Savings Through Electrification (pdf)
    Saturday, November 23, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Do you want save energy at home & save money while doing it? The WNY Chapter of the Climate Reality Project invites you to learn about rebates, tax credits, and other financial incentives to move toward a more sustainable future. Presented Lynn Saxton, Janet Lenichek & Sara Schultz.  Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Saturday, October 26.

    Family Kidding Around Yoga (pdf)
    Sunday, November 24, 12:30 - 1:15 p.m.
    Come and enjoy yoga poses and experience some fun together time with your family. For ages 4-11 with adult participation. Class is taught by Donna Baia, certified KAY teacher. Please 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 Sunday, October 20.

    Comic Book Club (pdf)
    Saturday, November 30, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Comic book club is the place for kids who love to read, draw, write and learn about new comics and graphic novels. Draw your own comic book, create fuse bead art, and collect/trade Pokémon cards. Ages 8-14. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Saturday, October 26.

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

    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.