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
| 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 | .tif.jpg) |
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
- ↑ "Home." Westchester Library System. Retrieved on August 8, 2011. "Westchester Library System | 540 White Plains Road | Suite 200 | Tarrytown, NY 10591"
- ↑ "Zoning Map." Retrieved on 8 August 2011.
- ↑ "Greenburgh town, Westchester County, New York." U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved on August 8, 2011.
- ↑
- ↑ "TASC Connect!". Westchester Library System.
- ↑ "Westchester Seniors Out Speaking". Westchester Library System.