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 6 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

    June Happenings (pdf)

    STEM Kits: Spaghetti Tower Challenge (pdf)
    All June long
    Make a spaghetti tower by picking up a free STEM kit to experiment with at home. For ages 7 and up. While supplies last.

    Summer Reading Raffle: 4 BIG prizes (pdf)
    Now - Friday, August 21 
    Check out books to win! 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 giant truck, dino magna-tiles, a kitchen set, and jumbo stuffed animals. Bring your checkout receipt to the desk to receive a ticket. Prizes are funded by contributions from our generous donors.

    Summer Reading Logs & Bingo (pdf)
    Thursday, June 26 - Saturday, August 30
    Kids: Read 10 books, color in a reading log or complete a reading challenge and turn it in for a 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 $50 Amazon gift card.

    Storytimes (pdf)
    Preschool Time
    Tuesdays, June 10 - 17, 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
    Tuesdays, June 10 - 17, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Thursday, June 12, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Fridays, June 13 - 20, 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.
    Lapsit
    Thursday, June 12, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
    Fridays, June 13 - 20, 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.

    T'ai Chi Chih (pdf)
    Wednesdays, June 11 - 25, 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.

    Father's Day Crafts with the Lancaster Youth Bureau (pdf)
    Wednesday, June 11, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
    Create fun crafts for Father's Day 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.

    Homeschool LEGO® Club (pdf)
    Thursday, June 12, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Come and create with LEGO® bricks. 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.

    Author Christie Welsby Meet & Greet (pdf)
    Saturday, June 14, 12:00 -1:00 p.m.
    Come meet decodable book author Christie Welsby at the Lancaster Public Library. Christie will be available to meet readers, and will have signed copies of her books available for sale. For more information, see her website at www.forwardmotionteaching.com. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Kidding Around Yoga (pdf)
    Monday, June 16, 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. Class is taught by Donna Baia, certified KAY teacher. Space is limited. Please bring a yoga mat or towel. Parent/caregiver must stay with their child. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. 

    Medicare Savings (pdf)
    Monday, June 16, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Learn about eligibility, enrollment, and tiers of the program. Presented by the New York StateWide Senior Action Council, Inc. Registration is required. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Feelings Rock (pdf)
    Saturday, June 21, 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.

    Ancestry Library Edition Database (pdf)
    Monday, June 23, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    This course covers Ancestry Library Edition, the library version of Ancestry.com. It includes billions of genealogy records. Track your ancestors in U.S. census records and discover new family members. Unlock foreign origins using immigration records. Discover enlistment records, draft records, and pensions. Ancestry Library Edition is available for use at all Buffalo & Erie County Public Library locations. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    DIY Block Printing: Tea Towel Edition (pdf)
    Wednesday, June 25, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
    Get creative with fabric and ink. Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop where you'll learn the art of block printing and design your own custom tea towels. All materials included. This is a free program for adults, but registration is required. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. 

    Summer Kick-off Party (pdf)
    Thursday, June 26, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
    Families are invited to celebrate the summer with hands-on crafts, sensory activities, a duck game, and a performance by Glenn Colton. Clifford the big red dog will make a special appearance. For all ages. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lancaster Library.

    LEGO® Club (pdf)
    Friday, June 27, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Join us for a creative 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: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Book Battle (pdf)
    Saturdays, June 28 - August 2, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Join us for games, activities, and a Lancaster v. Lancaster Battle of the Books style trivia competition! Final Book Battle will take place on Saturday, August 2. Books reviewed: Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker and Ranger's Apprentice: Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan. Ages 10-16. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Paws for Love: Read to a Dog (pdf)
    Monday, June 30, 4:30 - 5:50 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 20-minute reading session.

     

    Summer Happenings (pdf)

    STEM Kits: DIY Chalk Paint (pdf)
    All July long
    Make a spaghetti tower by picking up a free STEM kit to experiment with at home. For ages 7 and up. While supplies last.

    Great Reading Race (pdf)
    Tuesday, July 1 - Saturday, August 30
    Fill out a reading race ballot based on minutes read and help move the crayons to the finish line. All ages.

    Coloring Contest (pdf)
    Tuesday, July 1 - Thursday, July 31
    Pick up a coloring sheet in the library and return the colored sheet for a chance to win a prize. Limit one entry per person. All ages.

    Storytimes (pdf)
    Preschool Time
    Tuesdays, July 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
    Tuesdays, July 8 - 29, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Fridays, July 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.
    Family Storytime
    Thursdays, July 10 - 31, 12:00 - 12:30 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. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.
    Lapsit
    Fridays, July 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.

    Baby Rave (pdf)
    Tuesday, July 1, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
    Bring your baby or toddler and enjoy some EDM remixes of classic children's songs and dance, dance, dance with your child. Bring your own flashlights, water bottles, and costumes. Glowsticks will be provided. Caution: There will be flashing lights and loud-ish music. Registration is required and space is limited. Registration required: call 716-683-1120 or stop into the library.

    Lil' Kid Rave (pdf)
    Tuesday, July 1, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Bring your 3–5-year-old and enjoy some EDM remixes of classic children's songs and dance, dance, dance with your child. Bring your own flashlights, water bottles, and costumes. Glowsticks will be provided. Caution: There will be flashing lights and loud-ish music. Registration required: call 716-683-1120 or stop into the library.

    T'ai Chi Chih (pdf)
    Wednesdays, July 2 - 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.

    Paper Quilling (pdf)
    Wednesday, July 2, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Learn about quilling and create your very own piece of art to take home. Ages 12-17. Registration is required. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Toddler Dance Time (pdf)
    Monday, July 7, 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
    Imaginative improvisational play with stories, songs, and games that encourage creativity and build self-esteem and confidence. For kids ages 18 months - 3 years. Presented by the Buffalo Dance Center. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Teen Painting (pdf)
    Tuesday, July 8, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Create your own masterpiece with local art teacher Kimberly Strell. All supplies will be provided. Ages 12-17. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Computer Coach (pdf)
    Tuesdays, July 8, 15, 22, & 29 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Thursdays, July 10, 17, & 24, 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: Rock on With Colors (pdf)
    Wednesday, July 9, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Rock on with colors and create clay creations, paint rocks, and create cement steppingstones. Ages 5-12. Registration is required. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Bugs in Your Garden (pdf)
    Wednesday, July 9, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
    Learn about the bugs we love versus the bugs we hate. Presented by Naturalist Mark Carra. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Circus for All (pdf)
    Thursday, July 10, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Circus artist Benjamin Berry shares his expertise of prop-based circus arts in an entertaining presentation. For all ages. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Sponsored by the Lancaster Elks Lodge #1478.

    Homeschool Families Board Games Club (pdf)
    Thursday, July 10, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Is it possible to learn and have fun at the same time? Absolutely! Each month, join other homeschoolers in playing different board games! Games will be provided, but patrons may bring their own from home if they choose. For children pre-K - High School. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

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

    Pink and Green Witch Dance Party (pdf)
    Tuesday, July 15, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Move and groove with us in a special dance party with Elphaba and Galinda from Wicked. All ages. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Summertime Crafts with the Lancaster Youth Bureau (pdf)
    Wednesday, July 16, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
    Create fun summertime 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.

    Hawk Creek Wildlife Center (pdf)
    Thursday, July 17, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Talk on the Wild Side, a program featuring six animal ambassadors. For all ages. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Sponsored by the Lancaster Elks Lodge #1478.

    Art Magic (pdf)
    Thursday, July 17, 2:00 - 3:30 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 is required. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Origami Bookmaking with WNY Book Arts (pdf)
    Friday, July 18, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
    Create your own origami book (Dragon or Accordion style) with WNY Book Arts. Ages 6 and up. Registration is required. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Feelings Rock (pdf)
    Saturday, July 19, 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.

    Chicken BBQ (pdf)
    Sunday, July 20, 11:30 a.m. until sold out
    The Friends of the Lancaster Public Library invite you to a chicken BBQ. Take out only. BW's Barbecue Chicken Dinner $17 (cash or check). Location: Parking lot behind the library. Chicken dinner includes potato salad, coleslaw, roll with butter, and a cookie. Proceeds will help keep the library open during Sundays during the school year.

    Family Yoga (pdf)
    Monday, July 21, 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. Space is limited. Please bring a yoga mat or towel. Parent/caregiver must stay with their child. This program sponsored by the Friends of the Lancaster Library. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Introduction to Cricut (pdf)
    Tuesday, July 22, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Join us for an introductory Cricut class, perfect for beginners. Learn the basics - from setting up your machine to creating your first design. The instructor will bring a Cricut maker 3 to demonstrate and for students to explore. All materials included. Geared for adults but kids may attend if accompanied by a parent/guardian. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. 

    Bead Art (pdf)
    Wednesday, July 23, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Create bead jewelry. Ages 6-12. Registration is required. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Hansel and Gretel Puppetry (pdf)
    Thursday, July 24, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Omnipresent Puppet Theatre presents the tale of Hansel and Gretel using puppets. For all ages. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Sponsored by the Lancaster Elks Lodge #1478.

    Storybook Cook: Ways to Eat a Rainbow (pdf)
    Thursday, July 24, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Create colorful treats with Liz Bauld. Ages 4-12. Registration is required. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    LEGO® Club (pdf)
    Friday, July 25, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Join us for a creative 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: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    ZooTales (pdf)
    Monday, July 28, 1:00 - 1:30 p.m. (session 1) and 1:45 - 2:15 p.m. (session 2)
    Join the Buffalo Zoo as they tell stories with our favorite animal friends. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Paws for Love: Read to a Dog (pdf)
    Monday, July 28, 4:30 - 5:50 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 20-minute reading session.

    13 Story Treehouse Book Club (pdf)
    Tuesday, July 29, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Discuss any book that you have read in the 13 Story Treehouse book series. Stay for crafts and fun. Ages 7-12. Registration is required. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Indigo Dyeing (pdf)
    Wednesday, July 30, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
    Artist Darlene Pennachi will demonstrate how to dye your own tote bag. All supplies will be provided, including the tote bag. This is a free program for adults, but registration is required. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. 

    Reptile Show (pdf)
    Thursday, July 31, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Pioneer Reptiles presents reptiles from around the world. For all ages. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Sponsored by the Lancaster Elks Lodge #1478.

    STEM Kits: Paper Fans (pdf)
    All August long
    Make a paper fan by picking up a free STEM kit to experiment with at home. For ages 7 and up. While supplies last.

    Scavenger Hunt (pdf)
    Friday, August 1 - Saturday, August 30
    Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet and find the images on the sheet in the children's area of the library. Turn in your completed scavenger hunt for a chance to win a prize. Limit one entry per person. All ages.

    Jewelry Donations (pdf)
    Donations accepted now - August 31
    Donate your lightly worn jewelry to the Friends of the Lancaster Library Baubles and Bling fundraiser. Cotton-filled boxes also accepted. The fundraiser will be held Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9. All proceeds will benefit the library.

    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.