While the Lancaster Community Library of today bears little physical similarity to the original cottage, it still remains the "heart of the community". It is still about meeting the needs of the community, about the people who use it, and about those who continue to support it through volunteering and financial contributions.

Established in 1961 with the financial and material support of private citizens in the Northern Neck, the Library has undergone many changes over the years. From the small white cottage on School Street to a new building in 1975 with subsequent expansions, the addition of the Storymobile, and the move to our newest facility on Town Centre Drive in 2016, the Library continues to support new technology and the demands of growing patronage. Governed by a board of directors elected by the membership, the Library is managed by a full-time library director who oversees a staff of 12 and a corps of more than 80 volunteers. It is the combined efforts of these individuals that contributes to the success of the Library.

The library offers a collection of about 45,000 items including books, magazines, newspapers, audiobooks, and ebooks for a wide variety of ages.  The library maintains 20 computers for public use, 10 Kindle Fire tablets for StoryTime, 12 laptops and 12 iPads for technology classes, wireless Internet, two adult study rooms, two children's study rooms for tutoring, two audio/video equiped community meeting rooms, and Wi-fi access throughout the interior and outside as well.  The children’s room features two Early Learning computers with games and activities for pre-schoolers plus four iPads for the youngest of our patrons..

Mission
The mission of the Lancaster Community Library is to provide access and programming to children, youth and adults through print and electronic resources, and through technological services in an environment that is open and welcoming.