Westchester Library System

Westchester Library System (WLS) is the library system for the residents of Westchester County, New York. It was established in 1958. The system has 38 public libraries across the county and its headquarters are located in the town of Greenburgh, near Elmsford.[1]

About

The Westchester Library System is a state-chartered, cooperative library system serving all 38 Westchester member public libraries and the county's citizens. It is one of the 23 public library systems serving New York State's public libraries, and was established in 1958.

The mission of the Westchester Library System is to enhance and improve the county's libraries, and to ensure that all residents have excellent library service regardless of their location.

A 15-member board of trustees, elected by the trustees of the member libraries, is the governing body of the system.

Member libraries
Library Image Location Type[2] Collection (2016) Historical notes
Ardsley Public Library Ardsley Public Village 49,224
North Castle Public Library
(Armonk Branch)		 North Castle Public Town 71,026
North Castle Public Library
(North White Plains Branch)		 North Castle N/A N/A
Bedford Free Library Bedford Association Other 44,886
Bedford Hills Free Library Bedford Hills Association Other 41,397
Briarcliff Manor Public Library Briarcliff Manor Public Village 32,724 Former train station
Bronxville Public Library Bronxville Public Village 64,805
Chappaqua Library Chappaqua Public School District 126,864
Croton Free Library Croton Association Other 79,650
Dobbs Ferry Public Library Dobbs Ferry Public Village 41,244
Eastchester Public Library Eastchester Public Town 86,375
Greenburgh Public Library Greenburgh Public Special Legislative District 123,650
Harrison Public Library Harrison Public Town 124,515
Harrison Public Library
(West Harrison Branch)		 Harrison N/A N/A
Hastings-on-Hudson Public Library Hastings-on-Hudson Public Village 53,097
Irvington Public Library Irvington Public Village 62,682
Katonah Village Library Katonah Association Other 61,633
Larchmont Public Library Larchmont Public Village 96,629
Mamaroneck Public Library Mamaroneck Public Special Legislative District 82,259
Hendrick Hudson Free Library Montrose Association School District 64,234
Mount Kisco Public Library Mount Kisco Public Village 69,456
Mount Pleasant Public Library Pleasantville Public Town 97,462
Mount Pleasant Public Library
(Branch library)		 Valhalla N/A N/A
Mount Vernon Public Library Mount Vernon Public School District 624,755
New Rochelle Public Library New Rochelle Public School District 247,165
New Rochelle Public Library
(Huguenot Children’s Library)		 New Rochelle N/A N/A
Ruth Keeler Memorial Library North Salem Association Town 37,894
Ossining Public Library Ossining Public School District 117,987
The Field Library Peekskill Association City 99,556
Town of Pelham Public Library Pelham Public Town 37,778
Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library Port Chester Association Other 74,179
Pound Ridge Library
(Hiram Halle Memorial Library)		 Pound Ridge Public Special Legislative District 55,804
Purchase Free Library Purchase Association Other 7,776
Rye Free Reading Room Rye Association City 73,240
Rye Free Reading Room
(Osborn Branch Library)		 Rye N/A N/A
Scarsdale Public Library Scarsdale Public Village 119,609
John C. Hart Memorial Library Shrub Oak
(Yorktown)		 Public Town 101,975
Somers Library Somers Public Town 94,475
Lewisboro Library South Salem Association Town 45,561
Warner Library Tarrytown Public Village 83,665
Tuckahoe Public Library Tuckahoe Public Village 45,945
White Plains Public Library White Plains Public City 284,356
Yonkers Public Library
(Riverfront branch)		 Yonkers Public City 335,377
Yonkers Public Library
(Grinton I. Will branch)		 Yonkers N/A N/A
Yonkers Public Library
(Crestwood branch)		 Yonkers N/A N/A
Sources:[3][4]

Services

Cataloging and processing

Books, videos, recordings, and other library materials acquired by member libraries are cataloged and entered in the online "card catalog" and are made available to all cardholders.

Information technology

The system staff operates the circulation system and maintains the network, providing access to collections, various databases, and the Internet.

Delivery

A delivery service provides transportation of Library materials to each member library.

InterLibrary loan

InterLibrary loan service enables patrons to borrow materials which are not owned by any WLS library.

Outreach services

The WLS outreach services seek to improve access to public library services for all residents of Westchester County. Outreach activities focus on developing programs and partnerships that expand the capacity of libraries to serve the needs of low-income seniors and adults seeking information on social services, education and jobs. This work includes those who have been incarcerated, those who are institutionalized, and those with disabilities. Direct services: support for those seeking a high school equivalency diploma[5] and older adults seeking guidance on Medicare and related benefits.[6]

WEBS - Career & Educational Counseling Service

WEBS offers free group and individual career counseling programs in libraries for adults in career transition as well as access to career and educational information.

Youth services

WLS coordinates programs that support the ongoing training and collaboration of librarians serving youth in Westchester County.

External relations

Develops and maintains contact with community organizations, press and media. Raises funds and visibility for member libraries and system initiatives.

Continuing education and consulting services

WLS arranges and conducts workshops and other training opportunities for professional development of member librarians and the advancement of Library trustees. Professional advice is available to member Libraries on services, programs, planning, budgeting, administration, and management.

References
  1. "Home." Westchester Library System. Retrieved on June 13, 2017. "Westchester Library System | 570 Taxter Road | Suite 400 | Elmsford, NY 10523"
  2. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/libs/publibs/3westh.htm
  4. "Library Technology Guides". Libraries.org. Retrieved March 29, 2017.
  5. "TASC Connect!". Westchester Library System.
  6. "Westchester Seniors Out Speaking". Westchester Library System.
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