Lancaster Public Library

Lancaster Public Library

5466 Broadway
Lancaster, NY 14086
United States

716-683-1120
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. A parking lot is 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). 

Visit our digital collection on the New York State Heritage website.

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

Book Donations (pdf)
The library will accept up to two (2) grocery-sized bags of books, CDs, DVDs, and puzzles, but they must be in excellent condition.

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. 

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 2025 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

    Summer Reading Logs and BINGO (pdf)
    Now - Monday, August 31
    Kids: Grab a reading log or reading challenge and read. Turn in your completed log for a prize.
    Teens and adults: Grab a BINGO board and read. Turn your completed board in to be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card.

    STEM Kits: Tissue Box Guitar (pdf)
    All August long
    Create your own tissue box guitar by picking up a free STEM kit to experiment with at home. For ages 7 and up. While supplies last.

    Feelings Rock (pdf)
    Monday, August 31, 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.

    Paws for Love: Read to a Dog (pdf)
    Monday, August 31, 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.

    Jewelry Donations (pdf)
    Donations accepted now - August 31
    Donate your lightly worn jewelry to the Friends of the Library's November Baubles & Bling fundraiser. Also accepted are cotton boxes. All proceeds will benefit the library.

     

    September Happenings (pdf)

    STEM Kits: Tangram (pdf)
    All September long
    Create your own tangram by picking up a free STEM kit to experiment with at home. For ages 7 and up. While supplies last.

    September Storytimes (pdf)
    Preschool Time
    Tuesdays, September 8 - 22, 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, September 8 - 22, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Thursdays, September 10 - 24, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Fridays, September 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.
    Lapsit
    Thursdays, September 10 - 24, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
    Fridays, September 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.

    Homeschool Families Board Games Club (pdf)
    Thursday, September 3, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Learn and have fun at the same time! A variety of games will be provided. The game topic for this month is SEL (social-emotional learning). Pre-K through high school. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Pokémon Club (pdf)
    Saturday, September 5, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Discuss, trade, and play Pokémon. Create a Pokémon catapult and Fuse Bead art too. Ages 8 - 14. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Computer Coach (pdf)
    Tuesdays, September 8, 15, 22, & 29, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Thursdays, September 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 on Libby, 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. Due to the current demand for this program, appointments are limited to once every other month.

    Chess Club (pdf)
    Tuesday, September 8, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
    Learn how to play chess or improve your skills. Hosted by the Buffalo Chess Association. Boards are provided or bring your own. All ages welcome. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    T'ai Chi Chih (pdf)
    Wednesdays, September 9 - 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. 

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

    Young Adult Book Club (pdf)
    Saturday, September 12, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Join us as we discuss Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. Ages 10-16. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Self-Defense for Older Adults (pdf)
    Tuesday, September 15, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Judy Beiswanger will teach awareness, prevention, and simple moves to get away if someone grabs you. Judy has a black belt in Taekwondo and is interested in helping senior citizens be safe. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. 

    Homeschool LEGO® Club
    Thursday, September 17, 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: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Ms. Melissa's Sprouts (pdf)
    Monday, September 21, 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. Registration begins Monday, August 31.

    Spam and Scams (pdf)
    Tuesday, September 22, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Learn what spam is and how to control it. Also learn about various types of scams and safety tips. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Transitioning Your Garden from High Maintenance Flowers to Beautiful Shrubs (pdf)
    Wednesday, September 23, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
    Learn how to transition your garden from high maintenance flowers to beautiful shrubs with landscape designer and Master Gardener Nora Saintz. Sponsored by The Bowmansville Garden Club. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. 

    Feelings Rock (pdf)
    Saturday, September 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.

    Paws for Love: Read to a Dog (pdf)
    Monday, September 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. Registration begins Monday, August 31.

    Author Talk & Book Signing with Sudhir Suchak (pdf)
    Wednesday, September 30, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
    Sudhir will discuss his book Last Boat to Freedom, the story of his daring escape from Zanzibar in East Africa. His book is a powerful testament to resilience, perseverance, identity, and the enduring power of a single choice. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.  Registration begins Wednesday, September 2.

     

    October Happenings

    Homeschool Families Board Games Club (pdf)
    Thursday, October 1, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Learn and have fun at the same time! A variety of games will be provided. The game topic for this month is cooperative gaming. Pre-K through high school. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Thursday, September 3.

    Autumn Tree I.D. (pdf)
    Thursday, October 1, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
    Become a dendrologist detective and learn how you can use clues such as bark, leaves, and seeds to identify trees. This program covers the identification of 20 local tree species, explores how and why leaves change color in the fall, and offers insights into the important roles that trees play in our ecosystem. Presented by WildWood WNY. Geared for ages 8 through adults. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.  Registration begins Thursday, September 3.

    Chess Club (pdf)
    Tuesday, October 13, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
    Learn how to play chess or improve your skills. Hosted by the Buffalo Chess Association. Boards are provided or bring your own. All ages welcome. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Tuesday, September 8.

    Halloween Crafts with the Lancaster Youth Bureau (pdf)
    Wednesday, October 14, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
    Create fun 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, September 9.

    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.