Alden Ewell Free Library
🏢 Buffalo & Erie County Public Library · Alden, New York
Alden Ewell Free Library
A landmark of western New York since 1913, the Alden Ewell Free Library anchors the town of Alden with its stately Beaux Arts Classical facade — fluted columns, grey stone walls, and a stained glass window donated by the Ewell family in memory of their daughter.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–5pm |
| Tuesday | 12pm–7pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–5pm |
| Thursday | 12pm–7pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9am–2pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 13280 Broadway, ALDEN, NY 14004
Phone: +1716-937-7082
Website: buffalolib.org
Plus Code: 87J3WG24+6P (ALDEN, NY)
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📖 About Alden Ewell Free Library
The Alden Ewell Free Library was gifted to the town in 1913 by Joseph and Carrie Ewell in memory of their daughter, making it one of the most architecturally significant public buildings in Erie County's rural communities. The library operates as a branch of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (BECPL), giving Alden residents access to the full BECPL network of materials and digital resources. The building features a rear elevator for full wheelchair accessibility. As part of the fine-free BECPL system, there are no overdue fines for any patron. Six public desktop computers plus two laptops provide free internet access, and a 24/7 outdoor drop box lets borrowers return items at any hour.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Historic 1913 Beaux Arts Classical building donated by the Ewell family — one of the most distinctive library structures in rural Erie County
- Branch of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library system — access to hundreds of thousands of titles and digital resources across the network
- Fine-free library: no overdue charges for any patron in the BECPL system
- 6 desktop computers + 2 laptops with free public internet; accessible rear elevator
- Meeting room (capacity 45) available for community groups; black & white and color printing on-site
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
As a BECPL branch, Alden Ewell cardholders unlock New York's statewide NOVELny databases plus the full suite of BECPL digital services.
📚 Services
- Public computers (6 desktops + 2 laptops) with free Wi-Fi
- Black & white printing (10¢) and color printing (25¢)
- Photocopying (20¢ per copy)
- Meeting room — capacity 45, available for community use
- 24/7 outdoor drop box for returns
- Wheelchair-accessible building with rear elevator
- Interlibrary loan through BECPL network
- Walk-up service available during open hours
🎸 Programs
- Summer reading contest with badge program for children and teens
- Checkers TV Storytime Adventures — archived video episodes
- Take-and-make craft activity kits
- In-person community programs — see library calendar for current schedule
📍 Nearby Libraries in Erie County
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Alden Ewell Free Library free to use, and do you charge overdue fines?
Yes — the library is completely free to use, and as part of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library system, there are no overdue fines for any patron. Simply bring proof of address to any BECPL branch to get your free library card.
What makes the Alden Ewell Free Library building historically significant?
Built in 1913, the library is an architecturally significant Beaux Arts Classical structure featuring fluted columns, grey stone walls, and stained glass. It was donated to the town of Alden by Joseph and Carrie Ewell in memory of their daughter — making it one of the most notable historic public buildings in rural Erie County.
Can I use computers or print documents at the Alden branch?
Yes. The library offers 6 public desktop computers plus 2 laptops, free Wi-Fi, and printing services — black & white copies at 10¢ and color at 25¢ per page. A photocopier is also available at 20¢ per copy.
Is there a meeting room available at the Alden Ewell Free Library?
Yes — the library has a meeting room with a capacity of 45 people, available for community groups and events. Contact the library at 716-937-7082 or ald@buffalolib.org to check availability and reserve the space.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
📅 This library has meeting & community rooms. See how library meeting rooms work — booking, policies and fees — and find other libraries with meeting or community rooms meeting rooms by state.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.
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