Westchester Library System

Westchester Library System Logo

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 and 25 college and special 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

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

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 IT staff operates and maintains the following systems that support member library staff:

  • Library Management System
  • Internal networks and Internet access
  • Access to proprietary databases
  • File storage and backup
  • Email and calendars
  • Staff and public PCs

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[4] and older adults seeking guidance on Medicare and related benefits.[5]

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. ↑
  3. ↑ "Library Technology Guides". Libraries.org. Retrieved March 29, 2017.
  4. ↑ "TASC Connect!". Westchester Library System.
  5. ↑ "Westchester Seniors Out Speaking". Westchester Library System.

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