716-858-8900
Primary Services
Children's Reading Clubs, Computer Literacy Training Programs, Copy Machines, Extreme Heat Cooling Centers, Fax Machines, Libraries, Literary Societies/Book Reading Clubs, Meeting Space, Public Access Computers/Tools, Public Internet Access Sites, Special Collections and Archives, Study Space
Description
Public library located in the heart of downtown Buffalo and serving as the headquarters of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System.
Houses approximately two million books, special exhibition rooms for rare and valuable materials including the Mark Twain Room, the Collections Gallery and the Rare Book Room; a computer training lab; and the Launch Pad MakerSpace; plus a host of centralized administrative and support operations for the entire 37-site Library System.
Maintains a newly renovated 301-seat fully accessible auditorium, as well as three meeting rooms and other indoor and outdoor spaces that may be reserved for meetings/public programs by non-profit organizations and businesses. Onsite author visits, children's programming, book clubs, movies and technology training classes and demonstrations are regular happenings at the Central Library. For more information visit our calendar page or call 716-858-8900.
Offers three private study rooms for individual or small group use. Each study room provides a computer with Microsoft suite software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), internet access and printing capabilities. Study rooms are free to use and available during open hours. Walk-ins are welcome and will be accommodated if a study room is not in use or reserved for use. Reservations can be made in-person at the Computer Reference Desk or by contacting Central Library staff at (716) 858-8900 (option 2 - speak to reference staff).
Black and white copies from a copy machine are available for 15 cents each. Color copies are available for 50 cents each. Public access computers are available. Printing from public access computers and Mobile Printing is available for 10 cents per black and white page and 25 cents per color page.
Fax machine located near Borrower Services by the Washington Street entrance. Faxing is $1.75 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.
Houses approximately two million books, special exhibition rooms for rare and valuable materials including the Mark Twain Room, the Collections Gallery and the Rare Book Room; a computer training lab; and the Launch Pad MakerSpace; plus a host of centralized administrative and support operations for the entire 37-site Library System.
Maintains a newly renovated 301-seat fully accessible auditorium, as well as three meeting rooms and other indoor and outdoor spaces that may be reserved for meetings/public programs by non-profit organizations and businesses. Onsite author visits, children's programming, book clubs, movies and technology training classes and demonstrations are regular happenings at the Central Library. For more information visit our calendar page or call 716-858-8900.
Offers three private study rooms for individual or small group use. Each study room provides a computer with Microsoft suite software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), internet access and printing capabilities. Study rooms are free to use and available during open hours. Walk-ins are welcome and will be accommodated if a study room is not in use or reserved for use. Reservations can be made in-person at the Computer Reference Desk or by contacting Central Library staff at (716) 858-8900 (option 2 - speak to reference staff).
Black and white copies from a copy machine are available for 15 cents each. Color copies are available for 50 cents each. Public access computers are available. Printing from public access computers and Mobile Printing is available for 10 cents per black and white page and 25 cents per color page.
Fax machine located near Borrower Services by the Washington Street entrance. Faxing is $1.75 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.
Hours
Monday and Tuesday, 8am - 6pm; Wednesday and Thursday, 8am - 8pm; Friday and Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sundays (during the school year), 12pm-5pm. (Closed on Sundays in the summer)
Eligibility
Open to all.
Service Area: Erie County.
Service Area: Erie County.
Intake Process
Walk in; use library resources including public computers and free WiFi, attend a program, read a book, apply for library card.
Program Fees
Free.
Languages
English
Handicap Accessible?
Yes
Accessibility
All library entrances are ADA compliant, there are ADA restrooms, walkways and meeting areas.
Date of Official Change
Nov 24, 2025
Contacts
Maria Lowe
Assistant Deputy Director
AskUs@buffalolib.org
716-858-8900