Discover the heart behind your library
Our mission is to inspire curiosity, support lifelong learning, and strengthen the bonds that make Newfane feel like home. We believe a library should be a place where everyone—every age, every background—can learn, connect, and find something meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a library card? What can I do with my library card?
Click here for information on how to get a library, loan periods, late fees, placing holds and accessing your account online.
How do I access my online account?
Go to the catalog, click on My Account, and log in with your library card number and PIN to do any of the following:
-Set your preferred holds pickup location
-Review your library account
-View a list of your items on hold
-View a list of your items checked out and their due dates
-Renew your items that are checked out
-View your fines
-Change your PIN
What is my PIN?
This security feature was added when the system was upgraded in 2009, and everyone was initially assigned the same PIN—CHANGEME—which must be updated to something you’ll remember. To change it, go to the catalog, click “My Account,” log in with your library card number and CHANGEME as the PIN, then select “Change PIN” at the bottom of the “Personal Information” page and follow the directions. If you’ve already changed your PIN but can’t remember it, call us at 716-778-9344 during library hours (Mon, Wed, Fri: 10AM–5PM; Tue, Thu: 10AM–7PM; Sat: 10AM–2PM; Sun: Closed).
How do I place a hold on the website?
You’ll need your library card number and PIN for this. You also have to choose which library to have the item(s) sent to.
Go to the catalog at www.nioga.org and log in with your library card number and PIN.
Find the item in the catalog. For more information on an item, be sure to click on the title to view the whole record.
Look for the blue Place Hold button and click on it. This can be found either from the list of items that came up after doing a search (look to the right side), or from clicking on the title of the item you want, again the button will show up on the right.
When the item is available for pick up, we will contact you by phone or email, and you will have 1 week to pick it up.
Trying to place a hold on a movie or a new book, but the hold doesn’t work? Some libraries do not allow holds on their movies. You can go to the library and check it out personally, but cannot place a hold. The same goes for many “new” books. If you click on the title to bring up that item’s information, if it is listed as “New Items” under “Material”, you cannot place a hold on it. You can, however, go to that library and personally check it out.
Placed a hold but clicked on the wrong library? Go to “My Account” (link is at the top of the screen), and assuming you are already logged in, click on the tab “Holds”. This will give you a list of the holds you’ve placed, their status, and the pickup location. Click on the empty box to the left of the item(s) you want to change. Click on the blue button titled “Edit Pickup Location(s)”, and change the location.
Do you accept donations of books/movies/CDs etc.?
Yes! The Library welcomes donations of gently used (new or like-new condition) books and DVDs, which may be added to our collection or sold in our Used Book Sale. If you have one or more boxes, please call first—space is limited, and from November through April we can only accept one box at a time. Bring donations inside during open hours and notify a staff member; please do not leave items outside or in the drop box. Only clean items are accepted—no musty, moldy, or dusty materials—and we cannot accept reference materials such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, or textbooks, or obsolete technology such as VHS tapes. Thank you for supporting your library!
Can I send a fax from the library?
Yes! The Library offers faxing services to the public. To send, the first page is $1.00, with every page after 50¢ each. No charge for the cover letter. To receive, it’s 25¢ per page (our fax number is 716-778-9344, and please include your name somewhere on the fax). Please note we only accept cash or check as payment.
Can I get photocopies made at the library?
Yes! The Library offers photocopying services to the public. Prices are as follows: single-sided black and white copies are 15¢ per page, double-sided black and white copies are 25¢ per page, single-sided color copies are 50¢ per page, and double-sided color copies are 75¢ per page. Please note we only accept cash or check as payment.
While trying to use the online catalog with my library card, my card was blocked. Why?
There are several reasons why your library card may be blocked. Your card might be due for renewal, which happens about every two years and triggers an automatic notice—just call or stop by the library to verify your information. Another reason could be outstanding fines from overdue items; see our Library Card Information for details. If you have any questions, please visit the library or call us at 716-778-9344.
How do I go about making a donation as a memorial?
Memorial donations may be made as monetary gifts or physical items such as books, movies, or larger materials. Please include the name of the person the memorial honors, the name and address of anyone you would like notified, and—if donating money—the type or subject of the item you’d like purchased. For book donations, please also include your preferred bookplate message. Click here for a copy of our Memorial Donation Form.
Do you have a Notary Public at the library?
Unfortunately, we do not. However, the Town Hall does! Check with the Town Clerk’s office.
I have library items (books, movies, magazines, etc.) checked out from another library. Can I return them to your library?
Yes you can! Newfane is a member of the NIOGA Library System, serving Niagara, Orleans, and Genesee counties. Items checked out from a library in the NIOGA system may be returned to any library in the NIOGA system. Any items returned to our library will be checked in here, and then senton to their home library via a weekly delivery system that transfers items between libraries. For a list of libraries, click here.
Does the library offer any kind of programming during the summer?
Yes we do! Newfane Public Library offers reading programs for everyone, where books are read for prizes and/or chances at prizes. We also offer a variety of events, which can include summer story hour, crafts, fitness/nutrition classes, and movies!
Does the library offer wireless internet or WiFi?
Yes we do! The Library offers FREE WiFi throughout the building for the public to use.
Library Benefits
Library Card Loans
Library cards are available to anyone who lives, works, or owns property in Newfane, or who lives in Niagara, Orleans, or Genesee counties—seasonal renters just need to show a copy of their rental agreement.
Proof of your current address is required (driver’s license, piece of mail, etc.), and anyone under 13 will need a parent or guardian to sign the application. Your card is free, with no charge for updates or renewals. You can borrow up to 40 items at a time (including up to 4 movies), with books, audiobooks, and magazines circulating for 3 weeks, and movies and CDs for 2 weeks, and you can renew items online, by phone, or in person. Residents outside the NIOGA service area can get an annual card for $40 with a 15-item borrowing limit.
Your card can be used at any public library in the NIOGA Library System, serving Niagara, Orleans, and Genesee counties. Items checked out from a library in the NIOGA system may be returned to any library in the NIOGA system. For a list of libraries, click here.
The library no longer charges late fees for items we own, though lost or damaged items are still subject to fines, and items borrowed from other libraries may still accrue late fees. Borrowing is limited if fees exceed $5 or items are lost. You can manage your account online to see what you have out, place holds, renew items, and choose your pickup location. Holds can be placed online using your library card number and PIN, and you’ll be notified when items are ready for pickup. Lost your card? No problem—stop by the front desk for a replacement. If you ever have questions or need help with your account, give us a call at (716) 778-9344 during library hours—we’re happy to help!
Our Facility: A welcoming space for all
Our library is designed to be cozy, accessible, and community-friendly. Whether you’re here for quiet reading, technology help, children’s programs, research, or a friendly hello… our doors are open for you
Computers and Wi-Fi:
Wi-Fi is FREE! (Wireless Security Disclaimer and Internet Acceptable Use Policy)
Our facility offers 4 computers with Internet access and printing capability for the public to use
Photocopying and Faxing:
These services are available at the front desk.
Please note we can only accept cash or checks as payments.
Puzzles:
We also offer puzzles to take home – if you have any to donate, we’d love to have them!
Digital Materials:
We have audiobooks, eBooks, videos, and music! Check availability through our online catalog!
Room Availability:
We do not have a community room, but inquire at the Newfane Town Hall about their Community Center availability.
Newfane Free Library: Early History (1911–1922)
The Newfane Free Library was created through the efforts of local organizations, including the Ladies Club, Grange, Sunday Schools, and Business Men’s group. In January 1911, a meeting at the Methodist Evangelical Church confirmed that the town needed a library, and committees were formed to raise funds and find a location. By February, $105 had been raised and 118 books donated.
In April 1911, trustees were elected, with Mrs. Butterfield as President and Elma McKee as Secretary/Treasurer. The library began in rented rooms, and by November, the first books were officially added, starting with Aesop’s fables.
Over the next several years, the library grew. New librarians were hired, subscriptions and fundraising events were organized, and the collection expanded to include magazines and new books. In 1921, the band hall was purchased to serve as the library building, which was later moved to Main Street.
By 1922, the library was active in the community, hosting events like moving picture shows and participating in the Harvest Day parade. Leadership remained strong, with Mrs. Butterfield, Mrs. Shoemaker, and Elma McKee guiding its growth and operations.
The Newfane Free Library started small but quickly became a center for books, learning, and community events, thanks to the dedication of its organizers, trustees, and community members like you!