By Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera
In Buffalo and Erie County, we are fortunate to have an exceptional and wide-reaching public library system. With 37 branches and the Library on Wheels Bookmobile, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library is a staple in our communities. Libraries offer free Wi-Fi, public computers and of course plenty of books!
As a former educator, I believe in the importance of literacy and education. Books provide insight into our history and help us to understand other cultures. Books are also a way to explore what is possible. Erie County supports our libraries’ anti-censorship message and “Freedom to Read” campaign. You can learn more about these efforts at www.buffalolib.org/banned-books.
With our students back in school, I encourage everyone to take advantage of all the unique resources the library has to offer. Select branches offer sports kits for children and families to borrow. Children under 17 also have the opportunity to “Play Down Fines,” where all fees are removed when sports equipment is borrowed. Library branches can also provide help with homework, and access to educator reviewed databases.
These great resources are only available if you have a library card. Library cards are free to residents of New York State, and you can even sign up online. Visit a branch to apply or go to www.buffalolib.org/library-cards.
Your free library card also serves as a ticket to discounts at destinations across Erie County. Use your library card VIP (Very Important Perks Pass) to receive free general admission for up to four people at the Buffalo History Museum, or for two dollars off general admission at Explore & More Children’s Museum. Other VIP partners include the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve plus many more!
I am also excited by the introduction of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library into our community. Through the efforts of United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, children birth through five years old, and living in zip codes 14201, 14213 and 14218 can now take part in this program. Each month, participating families will receive a picture book by mail for their child. To learn more, or to sign up go to www.uwbec.org/dolly-partons-imagination-library.
I also want to take the opportunity to thank all who donated books during this month’s Books for Kids drive to support Project Flight. If you were unable to drop off a book to participating locations during this year’s campaign, monetary donations are accepted year-round. For more information, visit www.buffalolib.org/project-flight.
Lastly, I would like to remind everyone that Erie County Fall Fest is this Saturday, September 28 at Como Lake Park. Come out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to enjoy live music, arts and crafts, hayrides and more. You can also stop by our Live Well Erie table, where staff will be handing out free books for children and adults, provided by Project Flight. I hope to see everyone there, and wish our students, faculty and staff a happy and successful school year.