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 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

    STEM Kits: Cornucopia Catch Challenge (pdf)
    All November long
    Create your own cornucopia catch by picking up a free STEM kit to experiment with at home. For ages 7 and up. While supplies last.

    Lapsit (pdf)
    Thursday, November 21, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
    Friday, November 22, 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.

    Toddler Time (pdf)
    Thursday, November 21, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Friday, November 22, 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.

    Cancer Services (pdf)
    Thursday, November 21, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    No insurance? High deductible? Looking for services? The Erie County Cancer Services Program can help. Learn about no cost breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings including a FREE at-home colon cancer test kit for those that qualify. No registration required.

    Young Adult Book Club (pdf)
    Thursday, November 21, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
    Join us as we discuss All That's Left in the World by Erik J. Brown. For ages 13-17. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Feelings Rock (pdf)
    Saturday, November 23, 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.

    Savings Through Electrification (pdf)
    Saturday, November 23, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Do you want save energy at home & save money while doing it? The WNY Chapter of the Climate Reality Project invites you to learn about rebates, tax credits, and other financial incentives to move toward a more sustainable future. Presented Lynn Saxton, Janet Lenichek & Sara Schultz.  Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Family Kidding Around Yoga (pdf)
    Sunday, November 24, 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. Please bring a yoga mat or towel. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    T'ai Chi Chih (pdf)
    Wednesday, November 27, 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.

    Comic Book Club (pdf)
    Saturday, November 30, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Comic book club is the place for kids who love to read, draw, write and learn about new comics and graphic novels. Draw your own comic book, create fuse bead art, and collect/trade Pokémon cards. Ages 8-14. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

     

    December Monthly Happenings (pdf)

    STEM Kits: Reindeer Race Challenge (pdf)
    All December long
    Race reindeer by picking up a free STEM kit to experiment with at home. For ages 7 and up. While supplies last.

    Storytimes (pdf)
    Preschool Time
    Tuesdays, December 3 - 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.
    Lapsit
    Thursdays, December 5 - 19, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
    Fridays, December 6 - 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.
    Toddler Time
    Tuesdays, December 3 - 17, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Thursdays, December 5 - 19, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Fridays, December 6 - 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.

    Ms. Melissa's Sprouts (pdf)
    Monday, December 2, 11:15 - 11:45 a.m.
    Join Ms. Melissa in helping your little one learn and grow through music. For ages birth - age 6. Registration required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Tech Training: Streaming Media (pdf)
    Tuesday, December 3, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Learn how to stream content such as TV shows, movies, music, sports and audiobooks. Review streaming options and costs. Registration required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    T'ai Chi Chih (pdf)
    Wednesdays, December 4 - 18, 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.

    Paws for Love: Read to a Dog (pdf)
    Wednesday, December 4, 4:30 - 5:30 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 15-minute reading session.

    Wild Robot Book Club (pdf)
    Thursday, December 5, 4:30 - 5:00 p.m.
    Join us as we discuss the The Wild Robot Escapes (Book 2) by Peter Brown. We will also create fuse bead robots for everyone to take home. Ages 7-10. Participants are expected to have read the book prior to each month's book club. Please stop by the desk and request a copy of the book. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    DIY Corn Bag Heating Pad Workshop (pdf)
    Saturday, December 7, 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (session 1) & 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (session 2)
    Warm up in a creative way! Join us for a fun and easy workshop where you can make your own corn bag heating pad. It’s the perfect solution for cozy comfort during chilly nights, for sore muscles, or just a bit of relaxation. For adults. Beginner-friendly! Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Toddler Dance Time (pdf)
    Monday, December 9, 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 18 months - 3 years with adult participation. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Computer Coach (pdf)
    Tuesdays, December 10 & 17, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Thursdays, December 5 & 12, 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.

    Holiday Crafts with the Lancaster Youth Bureau (pdf)
    Wednesday, December 11, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
    Create fun holiday-themed 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.

    Middle Grade Book Club (pdf)
    Thursday, December 12, 6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
    Join us as we discuss Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman. For ages 10-13. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Graham Cracker House Workshop (pdf)
    Saturday, December 14, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. (session 1) & 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (session 2)
    Create your own festive graham cracker house. Ages 5-12. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Elf on the Shelf Dance Party (pdf)
    Saturday, December 14, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Move and groove with us for a special dance party with Elf on the Shelf. All ages. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Family Kidding Around Yoga (pdf)
    Sunday, December 15, 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. Please bring a yoga mat or towel. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Sunday, November 24.

    Kidding Around Yoga (pdf)
    Monday, December 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. Bring a yoga mat or towel. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Homeschool LEGO® Club (pdf)
    Thursday, December 19, 1:00 - 1:30 p.m.
    Come and create with LEGOS®. 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.

    Young Adult Book Club
    Thursday, December 19, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
    Join us as we discuss a book TBD. For ages 13-17. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Thursday, November 21.

    Feelings Rock (pdf)
    Saturday, December 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. Registration begins Saturday, November 23.

    Puzzle Competition (pdf)
    Friday, December 27, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
    Put your puzzle skills to the test! Complete a 500 piece puzzle solo or with a team. Be the first to complete the puzzle and win our first ever puzzle competition. All ages. Register in-person or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Friday, November 29.

    LEGO® Club (pdf)
    Saturday, December 28, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. (session 1) & 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (session 2)
    Join us for a 30-minute 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 and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Free Math Help (pdf)
    Will resume in December
    NYS certified math teacher Catherine Thielmann will be available in December at the Lancaster Public Library by appointment. For grades 2-9. Sign up for a free 20-minute appointment at the library information desk or call 716-683-1120.

    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.