Come
in and soak up the ambiance of this architectural treasure while
you surf the Internet or check out 21st century technology.
Built in 1866 by local philanthropist, Clark Lane, Lane
Library has the distinction of being the oldest public library
west of the Alleghenies. Now in its 135th year, the library
building has experienced floods, fires and at least six separate
renovations or expansion projects but continues to endure today
as a focal point of the Hamilton community.
A
significant building renovation in 1995-1996 permitted the
blending of Victorian architectural character with the
technology needed to support the community's library needs into
the first quarter of the 21st century. The 25,000 square foot
building currently houses several library administration
Departments as well as the Circulation, Information, Teen, and Children's Departments and a wonderful Local History Room, all
which provide direct service to the community. If Clark Lane
were to visit his expanded library today, he would see many
research database, word processing, and internet terminals
awaiting use, he would discover a pro-active schedule of
programs for children, teens and adults and he would see space for relaxed reading or
study. The popular Fast Lane drive-thru window service would
provide Clark with convenient pick-up service during those busy
times or spells of bad weather.
Clark
donated the first collection of materials to the library - books
- about 3,000 of them. Now, he would see a collection topping
123,000 in number! In addition to the bestseller books and the
research volumes, the library currently offers the community
access to videos, DVDs, CDs, CD Roms, puppets, audio books and
eBooks. In the year 2000 over 435,000 items were checked out
of Clark Lane's library and staff members answered over 48,500
reference questions. There really is something for everyone at
Lane Library! The caretakers of this wonderful, versatile
community resource are the staff members, dedicated to providing
each user with quality, convenient service. Members of the staff
are ever willing to help customers find just the right title or
make subject recommendations. Connecting customers with the
information they need is the top priority. We're here to serve
the community, so please stop by and visit us.
Map
HOURS
M-Th 9a.m.-9p.m.
F 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sun 1 p.m-5 p.m.
