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INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES

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The Institutional Services Division provides library services in three Erie County institutions.

Home Branch Library

First begun in 1956 with only a few books, this library at the Erie County Home has evolved dramatically. Users can now enjoy typical branch services as well as use the program room for coffee hour, old-time radio programs, read-alouds and travel club programs. Magnifying bars, book supports, tape-players, slides, slideviewers and electronic magnifiers are available for those needing special accommodations. Collections such as large print, video and audio cassettes create a warm place to find information or just sit and talk to a friend. For those unable to come to this library, room-to-room cart service to residents is provided.

Correctional Facility Library

This library located within the Erie County Correctional Facility contains both a law library and a general public library. Constructed in 1986, this 7,500 square foot library was the first to be built as a core or focal point of a Correctional Facility. Its general collection contains over 8,000 books for inmates' educational and recreational purposes, and 1,000 square feet of the library is set aside to house a legal collection of over 4,000 volumes. Computers are available to inmates for their legal work

Holding Center Library

Begun in 1969 as cart service to cells, this library has grown to encompass a new facility with both a legal collection and a general library. Residents can borrow all types of materials from adventure fiction to religious non-fiction and use a large legal collection while awaiting trial.

Connections: A Guide to Transitional Services in Erie County

This booklet contains useful information about services available to ex-offenders, including crisis services and counseling, employment and education, housing and food, legal, medical, substance abuse, transportation, and veterans benefits. For any questions, please contact the Institutional Services Division at 858-7158. The guide may also be downloaded from the following link: B&ECPL Connections 2009 (pdf)

Senior Services Available Through the B&ECPL

The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library offers a variety of programming materials to activities professionals who work with seniors. These include Bi-Folkal Kits and Mini-Kits, Reminisce Kits and Other Theme-Related Senior Activity Kits. These kits can be requested and borrowed by any agency using a valid Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Agency Card.

• To download an agency card application click here

Bi-Folkal Kits and Bi-Folkal Mini-Kits
A Bi-Folkal kit is a "program-in-a-bag" designed to be used by program leaders who work with seniors. It can be easily adapted to mixed-age groups and can be used in a variety of settings such as nursing homes, senior centers, and libraries. Kits are available on a variety of topics and are designed to spark memories from the past. Designed for a shorter program, mini-kits also contain information and activity suggestions that will encourage reminiscing.

What's in a Bi-Folkal Kit and Bi-Folkal Mini-Kit?
Each deluxe kit comes in a sturdy yellow and blue bag. The kits are multi-sensory; kits contain items that trigger memories through sight (photographs, pictures, videos, slides), sound (musical recordings, sing-along songs), smell (some kits contain scented stickers), taste (suggestions for food to taste), and touch (objects, textures related to the topic). Mini-kits come in a red bag and generally include a media presentation (slides or video) and a leader's guide with programming ideas on a variety of topics.

• To view a complete list of kits click here

How to Request a Senior Programming Kit

• Kits may be requested by calling 858-7159 or by filling out and submitting a request form from this site.
• If requesting by phone please provide the following information

  » Your name
  » Agency name
  » Agency contact phone number
  » The kit(s) you would like to request
  » The approximate date you would like to pick up the kit
  » The library at which you would like to pick up the kit
  You will receive a confirmation phone call or email within two business days regarding the availability of the kit.

• Kits are reserved on a first-come first-serve basis. Therefore, it is recommended that you have a second or third choice in mind when requesting a kit.
• To reserve a kit click here

What are the Requirements?

• Bi-Folkal Kits and Senior Programming Kits (Reminisce and Senior Activity Kits) are available to agencies only.
• An agency wishing to check out a kit must fill out an agency application (see above to download an application). This application will be filled out by an individual who has been authorized by the agency head. The application may then be taken to any Buffalo & Erie County Public Library location. Once the application is processed, a library card will be issued to the agency. This card must be presented each time a kit is checked out. By filling out and signing the application, the agency accepts financial responsibility for use of library resources. Fines for overdue kits are $1.00/day. If a kit is lost, the agency will be responsible for the cost of the entire kit.
• Kits may be checked out for six weeks. Kits may not be renewed.

Suggested Websites for Seniors

Erie County

• Erie County Department of Senior Services
  http://www.erie.gov/depts/seniorservices
  A comprehensive site for services to older persons in Eri e County. Programs focus on planning, advocacy and coordination activities. Helpful links to housing, finance community health, caregiving, and downloadable "60 Plus" newsletter


• Erie County Caregiver Coalition
  http://www.eriecountycaregiver.org/
  Provides dozens of links to Erie County Caregiver Coalition Members, as well as Erie County caregiver support service links.


• Central Referral Service, Inc. (Western New York 2-1-1)
  http://www.centralreferral.org/ (main site)
  
  http://www.211wny.org/ (2-1-1 in Western New York)
  Since 1985, Central Referral Inc., a private non-profit corporation, has given individuals free and confidential referrals to Western New York health and human service providers.