Lewiston Public Library
                          305 South 8th Street
                           Lewiston, NY 14092
            phone: 716-754-4720   fax: 716-754-7386

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About the Library

History

The Lewiston Public Library began in 1901 when the Men's Club of Lewiston held a New Year's Party and asked each person in attendance to bring two books. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt, invited but unable to attend, sent an autographed copy of his book on Oliver Cromwell. This book is still on display in the Local History Room. When the new Library was dedicated in 1991, former U.S. Presidents Ford, Carter, Nixon, and Reagan sent autographed copies of their books to add to this collection.

Chartered as a Free Library in 1902, support was maintained by public subscription with members of the Lewiston Service Guild collecting door-to-door for operating funds. As Library use increased, the Trustees recognized that a dedicated source of funding was needed to maintain standards and allow for continued growth. In 1976 this funding was secured with the approval of a Public Library Charter and the Library is now supported by tax dollars.

The Library has been located in many different buildings in the community. It was first housed in the present Quote and Quill, then moved to the Hotchkiss General Store, now DiCamillo Bakery, and in 1961 moved to the Hotchkiss building, commonly known as the Long House.

In 1990 the Library moved to the present site at 305 South Eighth Street. In 1999 a new children's wing was added.

Board of Trustees

The library trustees meet on the first Monday of every month at 5pm.

PRESIDENT: Robert Presutti
VICE PRESIDENT: Linus Ormsby
TREASURER: Barbara Coppock
SECRETARY: Nancy Smith
Jeannine Brown Miller
Margaret Salada
Christopher Salada

Directions to the Library

In Lewiston, go through the first signal (Tops on your left). Continue through the second signal. The street immediately after the second signal is Eighth Street. Turn left (south) on Eighth Street. Eighth Street is two blocks long. The Library is the large red brick building - the last building on the right. (Show Map)

Funding

The library and its operations are funded by combination of financial sources:  local municipal support, Niagara County, state aid, grants, and donations.  

The Friends of the library support through a variety of fundraisers including their annual chicken dinner and bake sale, booksale and other fundraisers.

 In 2008, the Library received $346,500 (90%) of its total revenue from the Town of Lewiston. Other government aid included $16,080 from Niagara County, $2,000 from the Village of Lewiston, and $1,667 from the Town of Niagara. The library received Local Library Services Aid from New York State in the amount of $817.00 and another $270.00 from the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

 During 2009, we were able to begin improvements to the facility. Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte secured a Community Capital Assistance Program Grant in the amount of $150,000.00. Some of the projects identified include handicapped access front doors, new computers, furniture, energy control film in the children’s and meeting rooms, pavers and landscaping.

 Senator George Maziarz secured an additional $35,000 through the Petroleum Overcharge Restoration fund. This was to be specifically used for heating and cooling upgrades, lighting issues, and remediation of the center skylight.

 We have also received a $15,000 grant from the East Hill Foundation for the purchase of artwork, furniture, equipment, and educational games and toys for the Children’s Room.

 In addition, the Town and Village of Lewiston partnered to provide a handicapped access ramp and a walkway through the parking lot to allow patrons easier access.

 We are currently in the process of working with concerned citizens to establish a foundation that would provide additional support to the library. The goal is to provide flexible and immediate funding so that the Library can address current needs not met through the county budget process. Significant contributions will allow the Library to begin to enrich collections, upgrade technology, expand public programming and assist in capital improvement projects

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