Lackawanna Public Library

Lackawanna Public Library
Library Info

560 Ridge Rd.
Lackawanna, NY 14218
United States

716-823-0630
Fax: 716-827-1997
Pamela Edholm, Director

Located on Ridge Road between Route 5 and South Park Avenue. Wheelchair accessible. Parking lot available.

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Public Access Computers: 16 computers, networked (printing 10 cents B&W per page, 25 cents color per page, now with Mobile Printing) Microsoft Office Applications, Internet Access, Misc. "What can I do at a Public Access Computer?"

Meeting Room. Study Room. Copy machine, copies 15 cents each. Radio receiver for the visually impaired.

What's Special About the Lackawanna Library

The Lackawanna Public Library is a beautiful colonial style building with magnificent oak woodwork throughout the interior. Located on Ridge Road between Route 5 and South Park Avenue, the library was built in 1922 with money donated by Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie was a 19th Century steel tycoon who became one of the 20th Century’s most famous national philanthropists. The Lackawanna Library was one of the last Carnegie Libraries ever constructed.

The Lackawanna Public Library also houses a Local History museum on our ground floor. Our collections cover maps, photographs, and artifacts from Bethlehem Steel as well as Lackawanna itself.  If you would like more information please call or stop on in and we will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Lackawanna is rich in local history and just a short walk from the library you will find several local landmarks including Our Lady of Victory Basilica and Shrine and the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. The Library itself was built on a potter’s field and in 1994 a monument was added to honor the unknown buried there. In 2018 the PRONE Group (Paranormal Researchers of Niagara and Erie County) found evidence of paranormal activity at the Lackawanna Library and this "patron" is now affectionately known as Charlie.

The Lackawanna Library provides something for every age group. Each month the library has story times, crafts, movie nights, book clubs, bingo, computer classes and much more. All of these programs are provided free of charge. The Staff at the Lackawanna Public Library kindly invite you to visit soon and experience everything the library has to offer.

Kid relaxing on floor

a boy wearing fancy mask

Lackawanna Public Library Policies

System-Wide Policies

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

  • Lackawanna Public Library

    February Programs

    Screening: Buffalo Stories

    Wednesday, February 5th, 6:00 PM

    Join us for a special screening of content compiled by Doug Ruffing, featuring stories from the Buffalo History Channel. Launched in 2020, Buffalo History's Channel's more than 300 videos focus on Buffalo's Black history, covering everything from the civil rights movement to entrepreneurship and the arts. The film will highlight local history, including the Story of the Brown Bomber Taxi Company, the Foundation of the Ujima Theater by Lorna Hill, Jim Bell Dry Cleaners, and a tribute to the community Leader Gail Wells.

    AACC Drum Workshop 

    Saturday, February 8th, 2:00 PM

    Taught by a drummer teaching artist from the African-American Cultural Center's Dance & Drum Performance Company. Participants will learn the fundamentals of traditional West African drumming, basic African drumming technique, and its connection to modern music. Ages 6 to adult. A fun opportunity for developing self-confidence, cultural awareness and creative expression. Registration recommended. Limited to 25 participants. Please call 716-823-0630 to register.

    Family Movie: Wild Robot

    Saturday, February 15th, 1:00 PM

    Join us for a family movie matinee about an intelligent robot stranded on an uninhabited island. Make your own robot to take home with you! Call 716-823-0630 for more information.

    February Break: Crafternoons

    February 18th-21st1 1:00-2:00 PM

    Drop in to the Children's Room at the Lackawanna Public Library for a craft break. Open to all school-aged youth. Tuesday, 2/18: Watercolor painting, Wednesday, 2/19: Friendship bracelets, Thursday, 2/20: Shrinky dinks, Friday, 2/21: Origami.

    Iftar Celebration

    Saturday, February 22nd, 1:00 PM

    Join us to celebrate a Pre-Ramadan iftar, the meal served to break the fast at sunset during Ramadan, a time of reflection, community, and gratitude for Muslims around the world. The Library will celebrate before Ramadan begins so that the community can learn about this special time of year and to help keep with your busy Ramadan schedules.

     

    Left: Illustration of an owl. Middle: "Weekly Programs". Right: Illustration of two children.

    Toddler Time

    Tuesdays and Fridays 10:30-11:30 AM

    Join us on Tuesday and Friday mornings to sing songs, make crafts and have fun with us!

    ESL Help & English Conversations for U.S. Citizenship Test

    Wednesdays 5:00-6:00 PM

    Adults can gain skills for work, everyday communication, citizenship and more. Work to reach YOUR goals!

     

    Left: Illustration of a stack of books. Middle: "Monthly Programs" Right: Illustration of a watercolor set.

    BINGO!

    Saturday, February 1st at 1:00 PM

    All ages! Play for prizes!

    LEGO Club

    Saturday, February 1st at 2:00 PM

    Come for BINGO and stay to build. Recommended ages 5-12. Build your masterpiece and have it on display all month in the library!

    Adult Craft Circle

    Tuesday, February 4th at 6:00 PM

    For adults. We will be making wine glass charms. Registration strongly encourage. Call 716-823-0630.

    Community Book Club: An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

    Wednesday, January 29th at 6:00 PM

    Newlyweds Celeste Roy's life unravels when Roy is wrongfully convicted and sent to prison. While he's gone, Celeste grows close to a childhood friend. When Roy's conviction is overturned, they must confront their past and their uncertain future.

    Free and open to the public. Refreshments provided.

    Spice Explorers

    Spice of the Month Club

    February's spice of the month is old bay!

    Stop in and take a spice packet and a brochure providing fun facts, recipes you can make at home, and cookbook recommendations to take your meals to the next level!

    Limit 1 kit per family, while supplies last.

     

    Join the Friends of the Library

    Want to be more involved in your Lackawanna Library? Become a Friend of the Lackawanna Library. We'd love your input on various projects, events, and much more to make a difference in the Lackawanna Community. Stop by the library or call 716-823-0630 to sign up and receive more information.

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