The Lancaster City Branch on North Queen Street has the Autism Resource Center: a dedicated space that supports the sensory, communication and social and emotional needs of autistic people, with games and puzzles, fidget toys, stress balls, weighted tactile beanbags, inflatable pea pods and a curved sensory balance beam, plus a collection of over 800 books, DVDs and games about autism.
Sensory supports. Autism Resource Center with sensory equipment.
Hours
Lancaster City Branch: Monday and Tuesday 9 am to 7 pm, Wednesday and Thursday 9 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday 9 am to 5 pm, closed Sunday; open until 8 pm on select First Fridays. Mountville Branch: Monday to Thursday 10 am to 7 pm, Friday 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday 10 am to 1 pm, closed Sunday. Holidays: both branches close at 5 pm on Wed Nov 25 2026, are closed Nov 26 to 28 2026 (Thanksgiving holiday), closed Thu Dec 24 2026 (Christmas Eve) and closed Dec 25 and 26 2026 (Christmas holiday). New Year's Eve (Thu Dec 31 2026): the Lancaster City Branch closes at 3 pm. The Mountville Branch is also closed Dec 17 to 19 2026 and Dec 31 2026 for interior painting and library projects.
Lancaster City Branch (Autism Resource Center): 151 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Mountville Branch: 120 College Avenue, Mountville, PA 17554.
“The Autism Resource Center offers a dedicated space that accommodates and supports the sensory, communication, and social/emotional needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.”
“The center is equipped with games & puzzles; fidget toys; stress balls; weighted tactile beanbags; inflatable pea pods; sensory press and stay blocks; and a curved sensory balance beam!”
“Opened in November 2010, the Autism Resource Center provides a welcoming and comfortable environment for individuals with autism, and for those whose lives are touched by autism, including families, teachers, and therapeutic support specialists.”
The Autism Resource Collection has over 800 books, DVDs and games on teaching social skills, behavioral therapy, conflict resolution, and community awareness and interaction, to use in the library and at home.
The library's specialty lending items include Explorer Bags, outdoor and board games and Family Museum Passes.
The Autism Resource Center at the Lancaster City Branch: a dedicated space with games and puzzles, fidget toys, stress balls, weighted tactile beanbags, inflatable pea pods, press and stay blocks and a curved sensory balance beam.
Over 800 books, DVDs and games about autism to use there or borrow.
A library card is issued without charge to Lancaster County residents age 5 and up.
Lancaster City Branch parking: the library anchors the Christian Street Parking Garage; the library is a tenant of the Lancaster Parking Authority, and regular parking fees are charged. There is on-street parking and there are several garages nearby, and a 5-minute book-drop-only spot at the end of E. Marion Street.
Mountville Branch parking is free in the lot shared with Dayspring Christian Academy. On school days from 2 to 3:30 pm the lower lot is not open to library visitors (you may not be able to leave it until dismissal traffic clears); the upper lot stays open for the library.
Food: no eating or open food containers in the library. Covered drinks are allowed except in designated areas; dry snacks are allowed in the Children's Room and the Young Adult Room; food is allowed on the Terrace.
Supervision: children 11 and younger must be supervised at all times by a caregiver 14 or older, and children 11 to 14 must have a parent or caregiver in the library. Caregivers must stay near and in sight of the child.
Bags: one bag of reasonable size (a purse, shopping bag or small duffel). Strollers and wheelchairs are allowed when they are carrying a child or adult. Only service animals are allowed.
A library card is issued without charge to Lancaster County residents age 5 and up; a parent or guardian signs for children under 14. People outside the county can ask a librarian about a card.
