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

    Winter Reading Raffle- 4 BIG prizes (pdf)
    Now - February 21
    Check out books to win! Kids 12 and under receive 1 raffle ticket for every 5 books checked out. Teens 13-17 receive 1 raffle ticket for every 3 books checked out. Prizes include: a giant UFO Squishmallow, a pizza food truck, a road rug play set, and Air Toobz. Prizes are funded by generous contributions from our generous donors. 

    Winter Reading Log/Challenge (pdf)
    Now - February 21
    Grab a reading log or reading challenge and read! Once completed, hand in your reading log/challenge for a prize. For kids up to age 17.

    January Monthly Happenings (pdf)

    STEM Kits: Snowman Launch Challenge (pdf)
    All January long
    Launch a snowman by picking up a free STEM kit to experiment with at home. For ages 7 and up. While supplies last.

    Storytimes (pdf)
    Preschool Time
    Tuesday, January 21, 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
    Tuesday, January 21, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Thursday, January 23, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Fridays, January 17 - 24, 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
    Thursday, January 23, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
    Fridays, January 17 - 24, 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.

    Young Adult Book Club (pdf)
    Thursday, January 16, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
    Join us as we discuss The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. For ages 13-17. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Feelings Rock (pdf)
    Saturday, January 18, 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.

    Wild Robot Book Club (pdf)
    Thursday, January 23, 4:30 - 5:00 p.m.
    Join us as we discuss the The Wild Robot Protects (Book 3) by Peter Brown. We will also create robots in disguise. 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.

    Friends of the Library Annual Meeting (pdf)
    Thursday, January 23, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
    Interested in learning more about the Friends of the Lancaster Library? The Friends need friends, so come and join us. At this meeting, the yearly report and election of officers will take place.

    LEGO® Club (pdf)
    Saturday, January 25, 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.

    Family Kidding Around Yoga (pdf)
    Sunday, January 26, 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.

    Ms. Melissa's Sprouts (pdf)
    Monday, January 27, 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.

    Paws for Love: Read to a Dog (pdf)
    Monday, January 27, 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.

    The Wild Robot Movie (pdf)
    Wednesday, January 29, 1:00 p.m.
    Join us for a viewing of the new release of The Wild Robot movie. Movie is rated PG. No registration required.

    New Year Art Journal & Vision Workshop (pdf)
    Wednesday, January 29, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
    Set your intentions. Spark your creativity. Manifest your dreams! In this program you'll create your own personalized art journal and design "vision pages" to inspire your year ahead with guided activities and creative tips for all skill levels. All essential supplies will be provided, or feel free to bring your favorites! Geared for adults. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. 

     

    February Happenings (pdf)

    STEM Kits: Woven Heart Basket (pdf)
    All February long
    Create a woven heart basket 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, February 4 - 18, 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, February 4 - 18, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Thursdays, February 6 - 20, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Fridays, February 7 - 21, 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, February 6 - 20, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
    Fridays, February 7 - 21, 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.

    The Underground Railroad and the Power of Our Stories (pdf)
    Saturday, February 1, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
    Saladin Allah, Director of Community Engagement at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, will share his personal story as a descendant of famed underground railroad freedom seekers. Listen to stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things. School age - adult. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Family Kidding Around Yoga (pdf)
    Sunday, February 2, 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. 

    Kidding Around Yoga (pdf)
    Monday, February 3, 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.

    What is Medicare Fraud? (pdf)
    Wednesday, February 5, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Learn how Medicare fraud works, what to look for, how to protect yourself, and about current frauds & scams going on in the area. Presented by the New York StateWide Senior Action Council, Inc. Registration is required. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. 

    Homeschool Familes Board Games Club (pdf)
    Thursday, February 6, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Is it possible to learn and have fun at the same time? Absolutely! Each month, join other homeschoolers in playing different board games! Games will be provided, but patrons may bring their own from home if they choose. For children Pre-K - High School. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    FunJungle Book Club (pdf)
    Thursday, February 6, 4:30 - 5:00 p.m.
    Join us as we discuss the book Belly Up (Book 1 in the FunJungle book series) by Stuart Gibbs. Stick around and create your own zoo map. Ages 7-12. 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.

    Art-Y Time (pdf)
    Thursday, February 6, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
    Tap into your artistic side! Create your own masterpiece with Kimberly Strell, a local art teacher. Supplies are provided. This is a free program for adults, but registration is required. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Comic Book Club (pdf)
    Saturday, February 8, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Create your own comic Valentine’s craft and create Fuse Bead art. Ages 8-14. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. 

    Toddler Dance Time (pdf)
    Monday, February 10, 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 ages 18 months - 3 years. Presented by the Bufalo Dance Center. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120.

    Computer Coach (pdf)
    Tuesdays, February 11, 18, & 25 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Thursdays, February 6, 13, & 20, 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.

    Valentine's Crafts with the Lancaster Youth Bureau (pdf)
    Wednesday, February 12, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
    Create fun valentine's-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, February 13, 6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
    Join us as we discuss Greenglass House by Kate Milford. For ages 10-13. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. 

    Feelings Rock (pdf)
    Saturday, February 15, 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, January 18.

    Zoo "Tails" (pdf)
    Tuesday, February 18, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Storytelling with our favorite animal friends presented by the Buffalo Zoo. All ages. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Tuesday, January 21.

    FasciNature: Live Animals from Around the World (pdf)
    Wednesday, February 19, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Explore animals from around the world with Mark Carra’s FasciNature program. All ages. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Tuesday, January 21.

    Pickleball 101 (pdf)
    Wednesday, February 19, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
    Pickleball Ambassador Edward Sapienza will talk about rules, scoring, and things to focus on when you are starting to learn how to play. Learn different strategies, drills and variations for improving your game. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Wednesday, January 22.

    World Drumming (pdf)
    Thursday, February 20, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Participants will learn traditional rhythms and playing techniques on authentic instruments. Ages 5-17. Presented by Arts for Learning WNY. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Tuesday, January 21.

    Young Adult Book Club (pdf)
    Thursday, February 20, 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.

    Yeti Treats (pdf)
    Friday, February 21, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    The Storybook Cook, Liz Bauld, will demonstrate how to make yeti treats inspired by the book How to Catch a Yeti by Adam Wallace. Samples will be provided. Ages 6-12. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Tuesday, January 21.

    LEGO® Club (pdf)
    Saturday, February 22, 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. Registration begins Saturday, January 25.

    Art Magic (pdf)
    Saturday, February 22, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    A wonderful, fun program of sketching, magic, and silliness. Presented by award-winning cartoonist and picture book illustrator Tom Paul Fox. All ages. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Tuesday, January 21.

    Ms. Melissa's Sprouts (pdf)
    Monday February 24, 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, January 27.

    Paws for Love: Read to a Dog (pdf)
    Monday, February 24, 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. Registration begins Monday, January 27.

    Get a Good Night's Sleep (pdf)
    Tuesday, February 25, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
    Sleep is a basic necessity of life. So why do so many of us have trouble sleeping? Join us as we discuss the basics of sleep and learn to identify “sleep stealers.” Presented by New Sky Coaching. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Tuesday, January 28.

    Baby Rave (pdf)
    Thursday, February 27, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
    Bring your baby or toddler and enjoy some EDM remixes of classic children's songs and dance, dance, dance. Bring your own flashlights, water bottles, and costumes. Glowsticks will be provided. Caution: There will be flashing lights and loud-ish music. Registration is required: Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Thursday, February 6.

    Homeschool LEGO® Club (pdf)
    Thursday, February 27, 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.

    Candle Making (pdf)
    Wednesday, February 26, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
    Learn how to make your own candle to take home. All supplies provided. Geared for adults. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at https://bit.ly/lancasterlibrary or call 716-683-1120. Registration begins Wednesday, January 29.

    Free Trees for Kids (pdf)
    Sign-up ends Saturday, March 15.
    Sign-up to get a free tree sapling for your child or children (infant - 12th grade). Trees will be distributed from the library to be planted during Earth Week (April 16-22). Trees will be planted at home and a growing guide will be provided. Tree species will most likely be a white cedar. Trees are donated by Neighborhood Forest. Online registration only: https://bit.ly/LNCtrees2025

    Free Math Help (pdf)
    Will resume in February (dates TBD)
    NYS certified math teacher Catherine Thielmann will be available in January 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.