Lancaster County, PA Public Libraries

A local home school family uses their local library as a resource for educational materials and FUN! Read more about how much their local library means to them ….

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Why Support the Libraries?

Everyone in the community can use and benefit from library services. Since there is no cost to obtain a library card, using the library is not cost prohibitive. There are materials available for loan that could appeal to many types of people. No matter your special interest, your local library likely has material on it. There are also special events open to the public such as book clubs and children’s storytime.

The public library offers free computer and Internet use to everyone. For those who do not have a computer and/or Internet access at home, the local library is a resource to connect to the web. In addition, with the increase in the unemployment rate, many people are turning to their local library as a place to research jobs and submit online applications. Library computers are not only for research and job searching though. You can check email, watch YouTube videos and keep up to date on your social media sites.

Many libraries also offer free special training and classes. For those who would like to learn more about the computer and Internet use, some libraries offer classes on using Windows, setting up an email account and searching the Internet. Several libraries also offer help with homework, and some offer genealogy information and passports.

We need your support! Donate to your local library today.

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The federal government funds public libraries.

False. Lancaster County’s public libraries raise a substantial portion of their budgets through fundraising efforts Lancaster County’s libraries far exceed the national average.

All libraries have the same hours of operation.

False. Visit the individual library’s page for hours at your local library.

Many public libraries in Lancaster County have a book shop that is open year round.

True. Check with your local public library if they have a library book shop. In fact, the Lancaster Public Library also has an off-site book store at 225 North Marshall Street in Lancaster.

You can use the Library's online research tools such as ProQuest for homework and research papers at home.

True. Visit the website and enter your library card number for access to the websites. http://online.lancasterlibraries.org/

Our libraries seem to have plenty of staff and in some instances appear to have too many.

False. It’s important to keep in mind many of the people you see stacking shelves or assisting in the library are actually volunteers.

I don't know how to set up an email account and the libraries do not offer computer help.

False. Several libraries offer help with email account set up, searching the Internet, and using Windows. Click here for the library overview of services to learn more.

You have to return a book to the same library that you checked it out from.

False. You can return a book to any library in the Library System of Lancaster County.

100% of funding for public libraries comes from the state government?

False. While the state of Pennsylvania does help support your local library, these dollars are prone to cuts and are inconsistent from year to year. For most libraries, these dollars account for a very small portion of their overall budget. Your public library counts on local support and contributions through fundraising to raise the majority of their annual budget.