Buffalo and Erie County Public Library

Buffalo and Erie County Public Library. The library system serves Erie County, New York, with its main branch located in Downtown Buffalo. It is a member of the Western New York Library Resources Council and provides access to resources from other libraries, including the New York State Library and the Library of Congress. The library also partners with local organizations, such as the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, to offer a wide range of programs and services.

● History

The library has a rich history, dating back to 1836, when it was founded as the Young Men's Association of Buffalo. Over the years, it has undergone several transformations, including a merger with the Buffalo Public Library in 1897. The library has been housed in several locations, including the Old County Hall and the Ellicott Square Building. In the early 20th century, the library became a major hub for Andrew Carnegie's library building program, with several branches being built with funding from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The library has also been influenced by notable figures, such as Melvil Dewey, who developed the Dewey Decimal Classification system, and Justin Winsor, who served as the library's director from 1858 to 1866.

● Collections and Services

The library's collections include over 2 million items, including books, DVDs, CDs, and e-books. The library also offers a range of services, including interlibrary loan programs, research assistance, and computer access. The library's collections are diverse, with materials in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, and Chinese. The library also has a strong focus on local history, with collections related to Western New York and the City of Buffalo. The library partners with other institutions, such as the University at Buffalo and the Canisius College, to provide access to additional resources, including JSTOR and ProQuest.

● Branches and Locations

The library system has 37 branches, located throughout Erie County, New York. Some of the notable branches include the Central Library, located in Downtown Buffalo, and the Lancaster Public Library, located in Lancaster, New York. The library also has branches in other towns and villages, such as Amherst, New York, Cheektowaga, New York, and Hamburg, New York. The library's branches offer a range of programs and services, including storytime for children, book clubs for adults, and job search assistance. The library also partners with local organizations, such as the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, to offer additional services and resources.

● Governance and Funding

The library is governed by a Board of Trustees, which is appointed by the Erie County Legislature. The library's budget is funded by a combination of sources, including property taxes, state aid, and private donations. The library also receives funding from organizations, such as the New York State Education Department and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The library is a member of the American Library Association and the New York Library Association, and participates in state and national initiatives, such as the New York State Summer Reading Program and the National Library Week.

● Programs and Community Outreach

The library offers a range of programs and services, including author readings, book discussions, and children's programs. The library also partners with local organizations, such as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Alleyway Theatre, to offer cultural programs and events. The library's community outreach programs include literacy services, job training, and health education. The library also participates in national initiatives, such as the National Diabetes Prevention Program and the American Library Association's Libraries Transform campaign. The library's programs and services are designed to promote literacy, education, and community engagement, and to support the economic and cultural development of Western New York. Category:Libraries in New York