What do I need in order to check out books and other library materials?

We invite you to come in to the library, located downtown in Lyndonville between the Village Hall and the park by the creek, to complete and sign a Registration form at the circulation desk. Please bring proof of current address such as a driver’s license or utility bill. Find more information here.

If you cannot come in to the library, please call us at (585) 765-9041, and we will make sure you get registered!

I have a card with another library nearby. Can I use Yates Community Library?

Yes! If your account at one of the public libraries in Orleans, Niagara, or Genesee counties is up-to-date and free of fines over $5.00, you may borrow any materials from this library, using the card you have. Your items may be returned at either library!

How many items can I check out at one time?

The item limit per card is set throughout the Nioga Library System at 40 items. We honor this policy, as it protects you against possibly high overdue fees on your account, and allows others to have access to needed items.

What do I need in order to use the library’s public computers?

If you are age 18 or over, you may stop at the circulation desk and request use. We will have you sign in with your name. You do not need a library card, although we encourage you to register for one! If you are between the ages of 13 and 18, you will need a parent’s approval, either by signature or with a phone call made by one of our staff. Those under age 12 may only use the internet-connected computers with a family member or guardian over 18 seated with them.

Does the library have WiFi?

Yes. It’s free and accessible in all parts of the library. There is no password. By using it, you agree to the library’s Computer, Internet, and Wireless Network Use Policy, posted in the library. You are reminded this network is not secure.

I know I have lost books and overdue fines on my record. I’m nervous about how to let the library know I’d like to restore my borrowing privileges, and I don’t know if I can afford to clear my record.

We want you to be able to borrow from our library again! We’ll do all we can to help ease the process. Lost books belonging to libraries other than Yates Community Library are the most urgent items to take care of. With lost items from our library, we will search for the lowest possible price at which we can obtain a replacement. And we will attempt to reduce your overdue fines or work out a payment schedule. There are maximum limits on fines for overdue books ($5.00 each) and DVDs ($10.00 each). Those can be reduced under special circumstances. Just come see us!

Does the library have a space for small groups to meet? What about larger groups?

For small groups, we welcome you to inquire about this with at least 24 hours notice, by calling the Library Director at (585) 765-9041. Seating for up to 8 persons is available in a multi-purpose room. It affords reasonable privacy. For more information, and to learn about larger group requests, please click here.

Can I send a fax, make copies, scan a document to my email?

Yes. For more information, including fees, click here.

What if I can’t find a book, movie, or other item I’m looking for at your library?

Your library card from Yates Community Library is your key to borrowing beyond our collection! You may search the entire catalog of the Nioga Library System (all 20 public libraries in Niagara, Orleans, and Genesee counties) at www.nioga.org. You may then place a Hold on items you wish to borrow (by logging in with the barcode number appearing on your library card, plus a PIN that you can establish on the catalog site). The items will be delivered free of charge to you here at Yates Community Library within a few days. You’ll be notified of their arrival by phone call or email.

If your desired item is not found, give us a call and we will gladly search further to borrow it for you!

I need help in using the books, audiobooks, movies, music, comics, and magazines available on my devices with my library card.

Niche Tutorials will help with that! Go to www.nioga.org and look for the green rectangular box at far right, labeled “Tutorials.” Click, and select from a list of all types of free services offered through our library system, for our borrowers. Or come in the library and we’ll gladly help you!

Does the library have a notary public?

No. However, M & T Bank, across from the library at 3 South Main St., Lyndonville, has employees who can help you.

I need to sign up for health insurance.

You can meet right here at the library, with a Navigator from the Batavia office of Lake Plains Community Care Network! You’ll receive expert assistance choosing and signing up for the best health insurance plan for you and your family through the New York State Marketplace. To make an appointment, please call Genna Salemi, Navigator, at (585) 993-2624, between 8 am and 4 pm, M-F.

Is Yates Community Library part of the Lyndonville Central Schools Library?

No. Although we both serve various needs of student-age people, and enjoy cooperating on projects for the benefit of students here, Yates Community Library is an Association Public Library as chartered by the State of New York. As a public library, we are open year-round, are dedicated to providing materials for all age groups, and we serve as a gathering place and information center for the entire community. Our funding, although voted on at a public referendum that takes place at the school, is entirely separate from the school’s budget.

I have a lot of old books I think would be great to donate to the library. How do I go about doing that?

First of all, thank you for thinking of the library! Most likely, your items will be offered for sale in the Book House store adjacent to the library.

It is VERY important that the items you’re considering for donation be clean and in good usable condition.

Please make sure that they do not smell musty or of tobacco smoke; check the top of the pages for dust and for brown or red spots that indicate mold and mildew. WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT ANY ITEMS IN THIS CONDITION. We do not have the staff time to sort and dispose of such items; that is your job. Hardcover books are best disposed of in your regular trash pickup. Overly-worn or soiled paperback books may be recycled in the bin at the rear of the municipal parking lot behind the Lyndonville Post Office.

Please call the library during open hours before bringing your items, since we may not have space for them at any given time. When you arrive, please come inside and we will help you unload your donations, which will be brought inside the library. Please do not drop off items outside the Library or outside or inside the Book House. Your cooperation with these guidelines is greatly appreciated!

How can I donate money to Yates Community Library without spending a dime?

Sign up with Amazon’s “Smile” program! The library will then automatically receive one-half percent of the total of your purchase, every time you order! It’s at absolutely no extra cost to you, but you must register and always order at smile.amazon.com. Details here. And thank you!