Dunkirk Free Library

History And Mission

The Dunkirk free library was built in 1904 with $25,000 seed money from Andrew Carnegie. Over the years changes have occurred. From 1985-1987 major repairs and energy saving renovations were made to the building with library services and Construction Grants. In 1980 the downstairs storage area was converted into a children's room and a full time Children's Librarian was hired to help develop children's programs.

The mission of our Library is to advance the quality of life in the community and provide unrestricted access to information in a a variety of formats. The library assists users of all ages by developing its collections, providing services and developing programs that support the development of an individuals full potential.

Our Library services the city of Dunkirk and northern Chautauqua county. In January 1997 the library was hooked up to the internet and began answering references questions using the internet. Also at the end of 1997 we were able to provide a computer for public use with a grant from Lake Shore Savings & Loan and the Northern Chautauqua community foundation working in partnership. That one computer was booked almost every hour the library was open