Directions to Central Library

1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo NY 14203, 716-858-8900

All Roads Lead to the Central Library! The Central Library of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library System is conveniently located on Lafayette Square in the heart of downtown Buffalo.

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

The Central Library is one block north of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Building (bus terminal). Several bus routes intersect at or near the Library, including the #1 William, #2 Clinton, #4 Broadway, #6 Sycamore and #8 Main. In addition, the Lafayette Square Station of the NFTA Metro Rail line is one block west of the Washington Street entrance to the Library. Fees for public transit may apply.

For more information, visit the NFTA Metro website or call 716-855-7211.

BY AUTOMOBILE

From the Buffalo International Airport or points east... take the Kensington Expressway (Rt. 33) west into Buffalo. The Expressway empties onto Oak Street. Proceed south to William.

From the New York State Thruway (Rt. 90)... take the Niagara Extension (Rt. I-190) to the Elm Street Exit. Proceed north to William.   Turn left.

PARKING

The Library does not own or manage a parking lot.

Nearby public and paid parking includes:

  • The AllPro Parking lot (located directly North of the library between Washington, Ellicott and Broadway.  You can enter the library from Washington or Ellicott streets)
  • Metered public parking, managed by the City of Buffalo, is available on some area streets around the library including Oak, Clinton, Washington, William, Ellicott and Broadway.  Meters are free on Saturdays and Sundays and after 5p.m. on weekdays. This is subject to change, regulated by the City of Buffalo and not by the Library.

HANDICAPPED PARKING

There are three handicapped parking meters located around the Central Library building:

  • Oak Street (between Broadway and Clinton), 
  • William Street (between Ellicott and Oak St.) 
  • Clinton Street (between Ellicott & Oak St.).

Rates are currently $2.00 per hour, with a maximum of two hours as set by the City of Buffalo. Parking meter rates and parking restrictions are determined by the City of Buffalo and are subject to change. Street parking is enforced from 8:00 a.m. – 5: 00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend parking and evening parking after 5:00 p.m. is free at meters near the Central Library.

Meters take quarters, or you can use the pay station on Washington Street, which takes cash or credit cards.

Parking is enforced around the Central Library building by the Buffalo Police Department.

More information on City of Buffalo Parking you can access their Frequently Asked Questions 

PARKING APP

Buffalo Roam is a mobile app that allows drivers to pay for their parking using their smart phones. The app allows you to pay from your mobile phone, receive alerts when your time is about to expire and extend your parking for one hour without running back to feed the meter, among other features. A 10-cent fee applies. This app is not owned or managed by the Library. More information on the Buffalo Roam App

BIKE RACKS

The Library has bike racks located on the Washington St. ramp at the Washington St. entrance and at the Ellicott St. entrance.  Bikes should always be locked.  The Library is not responsible for lost or stolen bikes or biking equipment such as helmets.

BARRIER FREE ACCESS

All library entrances (Washington, Ellicott and Oak St. are barrier free and are open during regular library hours. They all offer cut-away curbs for wheelchair access.  Automatic doors feature controls less than 48" high. Call 716-858-7185 for handicapped parking information.

The Ellicott St. entrance (between William and Clinton) is easiest to enter for vehicle drop-off. This entrance is open during all regular library hours. 

The Library does have an entrance on Clinton Street at the location to the Auditorium.  This entrance is only open when there are events in the auditorium. This entrance is also a barrier free access entrance to the library.

Call 716-858-7185 for handicapped parking information.

For general information call...  716-858-8900.  TDD:  716-842-0051, wwwBuffaloLib.org

FINDING MAP QUEST ADDRESS FOR THE LIBRARY

Click this link: http://g.co/maps/q2pzu

Best to use 427 Washington, Buffalo, NY 14203 if searching for the library on a Google map search.