Lackawanna Public Library — Attraction in City of Lackawanna

Deplorable! I have lived and worked in this city all my life. I have a simple studio based business teaching guitar lessons. Over the years I have helped hundreds of child and adult students discover the secrets and subtle nuances of this endlessly fascinating instrument. Young and old from all walks of life and musical backgrounds enjoy my engaging teaching style, easygoing attitude, and personalized lesson material. Today I went to the Lackawanna Public Library with a simple flyer that I made advertising my services. It has my name, business card, and a couple photographs of me performing at various events. It does not contain the business names, locations, or pricing for any of the studios I teach at, only my personal information. After introducing myself and politely asking permission I was very rudely told by the director, Jennifer Johnston, that I was not allowed to hang my flier on their bulletin board. She said "We have a policy that we can not advertise anything that has a cost associated with it". She brayed this over and over at me, like a mantra, shaking her head back and forth furiously. She held up her own policy as a shield, stifling any of my further questions. I thought it was most odd. Everything in life has a cost associated with it. On the way in I had passed a flyer for an upcoming event: Fret Festival 2018 at Buffalo Riverworks. This is an upcoming event/guitar clinic at a local business that charges admission. The flyer was featured prominently in the side lobby, evenly spaced with adjacent advertisements and meticulously taped to the wall. This was not just tacked up without permission. Thanks Jennifer Johnston for singling me out and excluding me from "our" "public" library. I do not engage in public arguments so instead I left, disgusted. All I sought to do was share my service with an area that otherwise does not have access to it. There are no other legally operating, open to the public, private music lesson studios closer to our city limits than the one I teach at, unfortunately. The insights and tips I offer my students are absolutely invaluable in helping them conquer roadblocks and hurdles in their education, I am told this time and time again. I am deeply shamed and saddened that I must leave such a low ranking for my hometown library, a place where I have spent countless hours enjoying amazing literary adventures. I am deeply shamed! I must speak up, however,based on my principles. I believe that a public library should be a place to openly and freely exchange information and ideas and, sadly, that was certainly not my experience here.The funniest part was another patron had overheard our conversation and, as I was leaving, excitedly asked me for a business card. Please support...

This review is specific for toddler time with Ms. Tracey and Ms. Patti. I LOVE their program and thought they did an absolutely fantastic job!! Their toddler time is the best in the region without a doubt. For each session, they plan and deliver a thoughtful, thematic based lesson with lots of opportunities for singing, moving, and interaction. Each session includes time for independent play, snack, and a craft related to the interactive read aloud done in class. My son greatly enjoyed his time here and we can’t wait to come back. We’ve been to dozens of toddler time sessions in the region and also out of state, and this particular program always comes out on top. Thank you both very much for all that you do! If you’re a parent and considering coming with your little one, I...

This is one of the last Carnegie Libraries ever built, and it still retains the craftsmanship and charm of the early 1900s. As part of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library system, it's well stocked with books, movies, and public computer terminals. There are some really great white oak tables and chairs, and a great study room/area downstairs. And, of course, as with all the other libraries in the system, the library staff is welcoming and helpful.

Just note that if you need the accessible entrance, it's at the side entrance, near the parking lot, not the front entrance.

EDIT: Accessibility update - I missed the lift at the side entrance. I'll try and get a picture to add the next time...