Central Library Space Utilization Study Public Engagement Session

The Central Library Space Utilization Study, which explores how improvements to the interior layout and space usage of the building can better meet the needs of Erie County residents, is moving forward and is now in the community engagement stage. After months of site visits and conversations with Central Staff and Library Administration, the team at the Buffalo Central Library is excited to share their consultant’s preliminary findings and recommendations in the Central Library Space Utilization Study Public Comment Draft.

Read the Public Comment Draft and then take the Public Survey – both of which are now posted in English and Spanish on the Library website here: https://bl.buffalolib.org/CEN-Survey

The Library and their consulting architecture, planning, and design firm Bostwick Design Partnership are hosting a virtual livestream Public Engagement Session on Wednesday, November 5th at 7pm to provide an overview of the proposed changes, take questions, and hear feedback.  The session will run approximately 1 hour.  The Zoom livestream is available to access at: https://tinyurl.com/CenBfloLiveMtg

In addition, virtual Focus Groups are scheduled throughout November with library stakeholders, including elected officials, Central Library tenants, and some of the organizations that use Central meeting rooms. There is a new webpage on the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library’s website dedicated to updates here: https://bl.buffalolib.org/CEN-Study

The results of the survey and community engagement meeting will help guide informed decisions about needed improvements and renovations.  Results are expected to be compiled and released in the first quarter of 2026.