Plan Your Visit
Book Arts Open Hours:
Thursday & Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday 10 am – 2pm
Ready to Visit? Here’s what you need to know:
- Effetive now, Erie County has lifted the mask mandate. Currently, Book Arts staff & teaching artists will continue to wear masks, while visitors are strongly encouraged but not required to do so. Masks will still be available on-site for visitors.
- Book Arts will continue utilizing air purifiers, and making disposable masks and hand sanitizer available at all times.
- Book Arts continues to host classes both virtually and in-person for individuals and groups.
- We appreciate your patience with our dedicated Book Arts Team Members as we all continue to navigate this new normal. ♥
Be sure to subscribe to our email list, follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter, or email us at [email protected] for the most up-to-date information. Thank you so much for your support!
Planning a Field Trip?
We host VIRTUAL & IN PERSON small-group options.
Cozy at Home?
Browse our online shop for gifts, hand-printed goods, artmaking kits, supplies, and more!
Check out our virtual workshops, exhibitions, and library of DIY video tutorials.
Address, Parking & Bus Info:
We are located at 468 Washington Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, at the corner of Mohawk & Washington streets. We are near the Central Library, the historic Hotel Lafayette, next door to Casa di Pizza, and across the street from the fabulous Sinclair building.
There is street parking available that can be paid using cash, credit card, or the convenient Buffalo Roam app when required. Street parking is free after 5 PM and on Saturday and Sunday. There are also several AllPro Parking surface lots, and the Mohawk parking ramp, all located within one block of Book Arts that can be paid using cash or credit card.
If you are arriving with a group on a school bus or other large vehicle, we encourage you to temporarily park on the East side of the building at Washington Street, and use our side door for easy unloading.
Book Arts is ADA accessible, with eleavator access to all floors and an ADA friendly restroom. Feel free to call ahead of your visit with any requests for additional info at (716) 348-1430.
Public Transportation Info:
Bus and Rail Route to Book Arts:
For the Metro Bus and Rail Schedule – Route #3 Grant – Click Here!
This route operates between downtown Buffalo and Military/Kenmore area via Grant. It also serves Northwest Buffalo neighborhoods.
Metro Passes:
Day Pass: $5 ($2 for those elligable for Reduced Pricing)
Seven Day Adult Pass: $25 ($12.50 for those elligable for Reduced Pricing)
Monthly Pass: $75 ($37.50 for those elligable for Reduced Pricing)
30 Day Pass: $75 ($37.50 for those elligable for Reduced Pricing)
Reduced fares are available for children five to 11 years old, seniors (65 and older), disabled and Medicare with proper ID. Children four and under ride free with an adult, limit three children per fare paying adult.
To qualify for reduced fares, passengers must present approved ID: Erie/Niagara County Complimentary Card, Metro Half-Fare Card or Medicare Card. Present when boarding your bus or when requested on Metro Rail.
Things to Know Before Boarding NFTA – Metro Bus or Train:
– Fare or proof-of-payment is required each time you board a bus or train.
– Metro Fareboxes accept U.S. currency and Metro passes.
– Have your exact fare ready when boarding.
– Be at your stop five minutes prior to pick up time.
FAQs
What do you do at the WNY Book Arts Center?
At Book Arts, we seek to preserve, promote, and innovate the book arts. We host a variety of audiences including working artists, group workshops, field trips, and team building events. Our Book Arts Shop features the work of more than 100 artists available for sale to support their craft. In the Book Arts Gallery, you’ll find a series of rotating exhibitions showcasing a variety of artists. Check out our About Us page to learn more!
Where is Book Arts located, and where should I park?
We are located at 468 Washington Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, at the corner of Mohawk & Washington streets. We are near the Central Library, the historic Hotel Lafayette, next door to Casa di Pizza, and across the street from the fabulous Sinclair building.
There is street parking available that can be paid using cash, credit card, or the convenient Buffalo Roam app when required. Street parking is free after 5 PM and on Saturday and Sunday. There are also several AllPro Parking surface lots, and the Mohawk parking ramp, all located within one block of Book Arts that can be paid using cash or credit card.
If you are arriving with a group on a school bus or other large vehicle, we encourage you to temporarily park on the East side of the building at Washington Street, and use our side door for easy unloading.
What are the 'book arts? '
When we’re talking about book arts, we are referring to the creative and craft disciplines used to produce the structural elements of a book, such as printmaking, papermaking, calligraphy, origami, and bookbinding. Check out our History of book arts: an artform to learn more!
Does Book Arts sell / buy / repair / write / publish books?
This is a common misconception, but we do not! However, we would love to share our list of referrals for other community vendors that can help with each of these book-related tasks.
Does Book Arts take donations of books, paper, printing equipment, etc?
The short answer? Sometimes, but we would greatly appreciate an email with photos attached before you go through the hard work of hauling anything over. We are always grateful for the offer, but we have a limited amount of space to store books in our library or machinery that may be in need of repair. Please email [email protected] for more information on material donations.
Is there a schedule of Book Arts workshops and upcoming events?
Yes! Please visit our Workshops page to learn more. Our workshop offerings are regularly updated so you might want to join our email list while you’re at it.
I am an educator, can I bring my class to Book Arts for a field trip?
Yes, we love field trips! We regularly host groups of a variety of ages and class sizes. Please visit our School Programs page to learn more.
How long has Book Arts been here, and what was this building before it became Book Arts?
We have been at 468 Washington Street since 2008. The building was vacant for a while, but in its glory days it was home to 4 different storefronts, including the luxurious Slotkins department store.
How do I sell my goods in the Book Arts Shop?
The Book Arts Shop showcases a collection of handmade gift items by local printmakers and book artists. Please check out our Consignment page to inquire about placing your work in our Shop!
How do I have an exhibition in the Book Arts Gallery?
We accept proposals for our Main Gallery and Studio Residency on a rolling basis. Visit our Exhibitor page to find out more!
Do you host private parties, workshops or events in the Book Arts space?
Why yes, we do! We would love to host your group for a private outing, even incorporating demonstrations on our antique printing presses! Head on over to the Private Workshops and Event Rentals pages to learn more.
This place is so cool! How can I get involved at Book Arts?
Glad to hear you love this place as much as we do! There are many ways to get involved at Book Arts and help bring our mission to the community including: becoming a Member, joining our studio collective, becoming a volunteer & more! Check out the Get Involved tab for all the details!