James Prendergast Library

What James Prendergast Library does

James Prendergast Library is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public library association chartered in New York State, headquartered at 509 Cherry St., Jamestown, NY. It serves the residents of Jamestown and Chautauqua County through a physical facility housing collections, three age-segregated computer labs (Adult, Children's, Teen), a Holmberg Foundation-funded Makerspace (3D printing, robotics, STEAM), a Memory Lab for media digitization (VHS-to-DVD, slide/negative scanning), study and event rooms, and a Library of Things lending collection. Its core technology stack combines a Koha open-source integrated library system, OverDrive/Libby for eBooks and eAudiobooks, Syndetics catalog enrichment, and licensed access to 40+ Gale research databases plus Ancestry Library Edition, HeritageQuest, FamilySearch, Mango Languages, Comics Plus, Kanopy, Consumer Reports, New York Times digital, Britannica, and Tech-Talk.

The library operates as a community-embedded public institution, part of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System (CCLS) network of 36+ libraries that provide shared catalog access and interlibrary loan. Customer segments span children (storytimes, Minecraft Club, Makerspace play), teens (Teen Lounge, VolunTEEN, game nights), adults (digital literacy, 1-on-1 tech help, research services), adult learners (Literacy Volunteers, BOCES HSE/GED), genealogy researchers, students requiring proctoring, and nonprofits/community groups booking meeting space.

Revenue is a mix of public funding and grants (the dominant stream for this 501(c)(3)), private donations through an Annual Fund, memorial gifts, and planned giving, supplemented by transactional fee income from an ongoing daily book sale, printing and copying ($0.15 B/W, $0.50 color), 3D printing ($0.10/gram), faxing ($1/page), exam proctoring ($50–75), paid research ($25–$50/hour), and event room rentals ($30–$100; nonprofit rate $20). Library cards are free for New York State residents and $10/year for out-of-state residents. The library distributes services through its physical building (Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat 10am–4pm), the CCLS network, the Koha/OverDrive digital channels, and remote mail/email services, with marketing via its website, monthly newsletter, social media, annual Community Block Party, and Summer Reading Celebration.

Name

James Prendergast Library

Legal name

James Prendergast Library Association

Website

https://prendergastlibrary.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

James Prendergast Library is a 501(c)(3) public library in Jamestown, NY serving Chautauqua County residents with physical and digital collections, a Makerspace, Memory Lab, computer labs, programming for all ages, and proctoring and research services, funded primarily through public appropriations, grants, and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (5192), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (519)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing) (EDAEAGAF), Libraries, Archives & Special Collections (BPAGAHAF), Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Community programming
• Digital lending collections
• Makerspace education
• Genealogy research

Headquarters

HQ city

Jamestown

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Public Funding and Grants: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the James Prendergast Library receives funding from public sources and private grants to support operations, programs, and equipment acquisitions.
2. Book Sales: The library operates an ongoing daily book sale at the back of the library. Quarterly half-off sales occur in March, June, September, and December. Special book sales are held during events like the Block Party. The booksale accepts donations of books, DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, audio books, puzzles, board games, and magazines.
3. Donations and Annual Fund: The library accepts monetary donations through its Annual Fund, memorial gifts, and planned giving. Donations can be made online via Square or by mail. The library is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
4. Printing and Copying Services: Black and white copies at 15¢ per page, color copies at 50¢ per page. 3D printing at $0.10 per gram.
5. Faxing Services: Faxing available at $1 per page to send and receive, plus $1 for cover page.
6. Exam Proctoring: Exam proctoring services: $50 for one hour or less, $75 for one hour or more. Requires minimum one week notice.
7. Research Services: Paid research: $25/hour standard (nonprofit/individual), $50/hour commercial (for-profit). Obituary/genealogy research: $15 first hour, $7.50 each hour thereafter. Free for requests under 15 minutes.
8. Room and Event Rentals: Private event rentals: $30-100 depending on duration. Nonprofit rate: $20. Food/cleaning fees: $25-50 depending on group size. Study rooms are free with library card but have 2-hour time limits.
9. Library Cards (Out-of-State): New York State residents receive free library cards. Out-of-state residents pay $10 per year for a library card.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

James Prendergast Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public library providing free physical and digital lending collections (books, eBooks, eAudiobooks, DVDs, CDs), access to 40+ research databases (Gale, Ancestry, Britannica, Mango Languages), a Makerspace with 3D printing and STEAM activities, a Genealogy and Memory Lab for media digitization, public computer labs, community programming for all ages, exam proctoring, research services, and meeting/event room rentals. The library operates as a member of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System, providing interlibrary loan and shared catalog access across 36+ regional libraries.

Product overview

James Prendergast Library is a public library offering a unified set of services centered on physical and digital collections, technology access, and community programming. The core offerings include the Koha-powered library catalog and physical collections (books, DVDs, CDs), combined with digital services through OverDrive/Libby for eBooks and eAudiobooks, and access to over 40 Gale research databases. The library provides technology services including public computer labs, 3D printing, Makerspace, and Genealogy & Memory Lab. Programming spans all ages through storytimes, Minecraft Club, Teen Game Night, and the annual Summer Reading Program. Specialized services include exam proctoring, research assistance, meeting room rentals, and the Library of Things lending collection. The Library of Things offers technology equipment alongside educational kits, board games, and household items. The system integrates with regional consortium Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System's shared resources.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Library Catalog and Physical Collections Online public access catalog (OPAC) powered by Koha allowing patrons to search, reserve, and manage library materials including physical books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, magazines, vinyl records, and board games. Open to NYS residents with free library card.
• eBooks and eAudiobooks (OverDrive/Libby) Digital collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks accessible through the Libby app or OverDrive platform as part of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System digital consortium.
• Research Databases Collection (Gale, Ancestry, HeritageQuest, Britannica) Over 40 research databases including Gale OneFile (Academic, Health & Wellness, Business, Science, Education), Ancestry Library Edition, HeritageQuest Online, Britannica Academic/School, Consumer Reports, New York Times, Mango Languages, and Kanopy streaming service. Accessible remotely with library card.
• Makerspace Hands-on learning space with 3D printing, robotics, STEAM activities, sensory play area, and creative tools. Open play and staff-led activities available for all ages.
• Genealogy and Memory Lab Digital preservation services including VHS-to-DVD conversion, slide digitization, and film negative scanning. Offers genealogical research assistance and access to Ancestry Library Edition, HeritageQuest Online, and FamilySearch Affiliate Library.
• Library of Things Lending collection of educational toys, science kits, board games, puzzles, household items, and technology equipment including Adventure Passes. Three-week loan period on adult library card. Funded by Holmberg Foundation grant.
• Library Cards and Circulation Library card services with access to all 36+ libraries in the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System. Free for New York State residents with valid ID; $10/year for out-of-state residents. Loan periods: 3 weeks for books/audiobooks/magazines/CDs (4 renewals); 1 week for DVDs (2 renewals).
• Computer Labs and Printing Services Public computer access with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), internet, printing, copying, scanning, and 3D printing. Multiple lab locations: Adult Lab (14 computers), Children's Lab (7 computers), Teen Lab (8 computers), and Study Lounge. Printing: black/white $0.15/page, color $0.50/page.
• 3D Printing Service 3D printing service at $0.10 per gram. Multiple filament colors and materials available including PLA, PLA Tough, ABS, and Nylon. Covers filament cost.
• Meeting and Event Room Rentals Room reservations including Meeting Rooms (free for nonprofits, government, community groups with 15+ attendees), Study Rooms (free with library card, 2-hour limit), and Event Rentals (Fireplace Room and Community Room for private events at $30-$100 depending on duration).
• Exam Proctoring Services Exam proctoring services for educational institutions. $50 for exams one hour or less; $75 for exams over one hour. One week advance notice required.
• Research and 1-on-1 Tech Help Paid research services ($25/hour for nonprofits/individuals, $50/hour commercial; obituary research $15 first hour, $7.50 each additional; free under 15 minutes) and personalized technology assistance for smartphone/tablet navigation, resume help, Microsoft programs, and genealogy (up to 3 times per year per patron).
• Interlibrary Loan Services Materials sharing within the 38 local member libraries of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System. As of January 2026, external ILL service model updated.
• Summer Reading Program Annual summer reading celebration with separate programs for Children (ages 0-12), Teens (12-18), and Adults (18+). Uses READsquared platform with team mascots and prize incentives. Draws 800+ participants.
• Storytimes and Early Learning Programs Early literacy programming including Traditional Storytime, Lapsit Storytime (pre-walkers), Sensory Storytime, and Littles Playgroup. Located in Children's Department.
• Adult Literacy and Education Classes Partnership with Literacy Volunteers of Chautauqua County for adult English literacy tutoring and ESL instruction. BOCES partnership offering HSE/GED preparation classes at the library location.
• Daily Book Sale Ongoing book sale at the library with quarterly half-off sales in March, June, September, and December. Special sales during events like the Block Party. Accepts donations of books, DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, audio books, puzzles, board games, and magazines.
• Book Memorials Donation Program Donation program honoring individuals with library book purchases. $25-99 receives 1 bookplate; $100-499 receives 3 bookplates; $500+ receives 5 bookplates. Available in Adult Fiction, Adult Nonfiction, and Children's Picture Book collections.

Quantifiable outcome

• Community Block Party attendance and Summer Reading participation demonstrate strong community engagement
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration17 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System (CCLS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrendergast Library is a member of the CCLS, a network of 36+ libraries providing shared catalog access (Koha), interlibrary loan services, and reciprocal borrowing privileges across Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.
• Audubon Community Nature CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner for Summer Reading Celebration 2026. Provides educational programming and community engagement opportunities.
• Infinity Visual and Performing ArtsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner providing live music at the Community Block Party and drumming programs. Supports Summer Reading and teen programming.
• Jamestown Fire DepartmentminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner participating in Summer Reading events and educational programming for children.
• YMCA of JamestownminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner providing lunch programs at the library during Summer Reading and collaborative programming.
• Chautauqua County Humane SocietyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner for Summer Reading Celebration 2026, supporting animal-related educational programming.
• Roger Tory Peterson InstituteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner for Summer Reading Celebration 2026, providing nature and environmental education resources.
• National Comedy CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner for Summer Reading Celebration 2026, supporting local cultural programming.
• Onohsagwede Cultural CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner for Summer Reading Celebration 2026, supporting cultural and historical education.
• Literacy Volunteers of Chautauqua CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization providing adult literacy tutoring and English as a Second Language instruction at the library. Helps adults learn to read, write, or speak English.
• BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBOCES offers HSE/GED classes at the library location, providing adult education and high school equivalency preparation.
• Hultquist Library at Jamestown Community CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAs of January 2026, the Hultquist Library at JCC manages interlibrary loan services for materials not available through CCLS member libraries. Community members can obtain a community library card to access these services.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Detroit Public Library: Public library serving a post-industrial city with similar economic pressures and community-development programming. Comparable in mission and operating context.
• Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Mid-sized post-industrial city public library system in Pennsylvania with comparable programming, Makerspace-style offerings, and community-education partnerships. Directly comparable in size and service mix.
• Onondaga County Public Library: New York county-level public library system offering similar services (digital resources, community programming, genealogy databases). Comparable peer in scope and funding model.
• Free Library of Philadelphia: City public library serving a comparable urban footprint with extensive adult literacy, ESL, and digital access programs. Direct peer in mission and service breadth.
• Buffalo & Erie County Public Library: Larger Western New York public library system serving a similar demographic and offering comparable programs (digital literacy, Makerspace-style spaces, community events). Strong direct geographic peer for benchmarking scale and service mix.
• Cleveland Public Library: Urban public library in a peer post-industrial Rust Belt city offering digital literacy, makerspaces, and community programming. Comparable in demographics and competitive pressures.
• Rochester Public Library: Mid-sized New York public library serving a comparable upstate community with extensive programming, makerspace offerings, and adult literacy partnerships. Directly comparable as a peer system.

Broad incumbents

• Brooklyn Public Library: Major New York City public library system with comparable digital, education, and community programming portfolio; serves as a broader benchmark rather than a direct geographic competitor.
• New York Public Library: The dominant statewide/national public library brand, with extensive digital, research, and programming offerings. Functions as a broad incumbent setting baseline expectations that smaller NY libraries like Prendergast must meet.

Others

• Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System (CCLS): Consortium of 36+ member libraries of which Prendergast is a part; directly comparable as the regional shared-catalog and interlibrary loan backbone that defines Prendergast's distribution footprint.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/James_PLA44
• Facebookfacebook.com/prendergastlibrary
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/james-prendergast-library-association

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about James Prendergast Library