Westchester Library System

The 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 libraries across the county and its headquarters are located in the town of Greenburgh, near Tarrytown.[1][2][3]

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

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.
Member Library Image Location Historical notes
Ardsley Public Library
North Castle Public Library
(Armonk Branch)
North Castle
North Castle Public Library
(North White Plains Branch)
North Castle
Bedford Free Library Bedford
Bedford Hills Free Library Bedford Hills
Briarcliff Manor Public Library Briarcliff Manor Former train station
Bronxville Public Library Bronxville
Chappaqua Library Chappaqua
Croton Free Library Croton
Dobbs Ferry Public Library Dobbs Ferry
Eastchester Public Library Eastchester
Greenburgh Public Library Greenburgh
Harrison Public Library Harrison
Harrison Public Library
(West Harrison Branch)
Harrison
Hastings-on-Hudson Public Library Hastings-on-Hudson
Irvington Public Library Irvington
Katonah Village Library Katonah
Larchmont Public Library Larchmont
Mamaroneck Public Library Mamaroneck
Hendrick Hudson Free Library
Mount Kisco Public Library Mount Kisco
Mount Pleasant Public Library Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant Public Library
(Branch)
Mount Pleasant
Mount Vernon Public Library Mount Vernon
New Rochelle Public Library New Rochelle
New Rochelle Public Library
(Huguenot Children’s Library)
New Rochelle
Ruth Keeler Memorial Library
Ossining Public Library Ossining
The Field Library
Town of Pelham Public Library Pelham
Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library
Pound Ridge Library Pound Ridge
Purchase Free Library Purchase
Rye Free Reading Room
Scarsdale Public Library Scarsdale
John C. Hart Memorial Library
Somers Library Somers
Lewisboro Library
The Warner Library
Tuckahoe Public Library
White Plains Public Library White Plains
Yonkers Public Library
(Riverfront branch)
Yonkers
Yonkers Public Library
(Grinton I. Will branch)
Yonkers
Yonkers Public Library
(Crestwood branch)
Yonkers
Sources:[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 August 8, 2011. "Westchester Library System | 540 White Plains Road | Suite 200 | Tarrytown, NY 10591"
  2. "Zoning Map." Retrieved on 8 August 2011.
  3. "Greenburgh town, Westchester County, New York." U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved on August 8, 2011.
  4. "TASC Connect!". Westchester Library System.
  5. "Westchester Seniors Out Speaking". Westchester Library System.

External links

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