Westchester Library System
{{Short description|Library system in New York state, U.S.}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Independent sources|date=August 2023}}
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."[http://www.westchesterlibraries.org/ Home]." Westchester Library System. Retrieved on June 13, 2017. "Westchester Library System | 570 Taxter Road | Suite 400 | Elmsford, NY 10523"
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
| class="wikitable sortable" align="center"
! style="background-color:#CEE0F2;" |Library ! style="background-color:#CEE0F2;" class="unsortable" |Image ! style="background-color:#CEE0F2;" | Location ! style="background-color:#CEE0F2;" |Type{{cite web | url=http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/libs/publibs/3westh.htm | title=Westchester Library System : Find Your Public Library in New York State: Library Development: New York State Library }} ! style="background-color:#CEE0F2;" data-sort-type="number" | Collection (2016) ! style="background-color:#CEE0F2;" class="unsortable" | Historical notes |
| Ardsley Public Library
|Public Village |49,224 | |
| North Castle Public Library (Armonk Branch) | |Public Town |71,026 | |
| North Castle Public Library (North White Plains Branch) | |N/A |N/A | |
| Bedford Free Library
|Association Other |44,886 | |
| Bedford Hills Free Library
| |Association Other |41,397 | |
| Briarcliff Manor Public Library
|Public Village |32,724 |Former train station |
| Bronxville Public Library
|Public Village |64,805 | |
| Chappaqua Library
|Public School District |126,864 | |
| Croton Free Library
| |Association Other |79,650 | |
| Dobbs Ferry Public Library
| |Public Village |41,244 | |
| Eastchester Public Library
| |Public Town |86,375 | |
| Greenburgh Public Library
|Public Special Legislative District |123,650 | |
| Harrison Public Library
| |Public Town |124,515 | |
| Harrison Public Library (West Harrison Branch) | |N/A |N/A | |
| Hastings-on-Hudson Public Library
| |Public Village |53,097 | |
| Irvington Public Library
|Public Village |62,682 | |
| Katonah Village Library
|Association Other |61,633 | |
| Larchmont Public Library
|Public Village |96,629 | |
| Mamaroneck Public Library
| |Public Special Legislative District |82,259 | |
| Hendrick Hudson Free Library
|Association School District |64,234 | |
| Mount Kisco Public Library
| |Public Village |69,456 | |
| Mount Pleasant Public Library
|Public Town |97,462 | |
| Mount Pleasant Public Library (Branch library) | |N/A |N/A | |
| Mount Vernon Public Library
| |Public School District |624,755 | |
| New Rochelle Public Library
|Public School District |247,165 | |
| New Rochelle Public Library (Huguenot Children’s Library) |N/A |N/A | |
| Ruth Keeler Memorial Library
| |Association Town |37,894 | |
| Ossining Public Library
|Public School District |117,987 | |
| The Field Library
| |Association City |99,556 | |
| Town of Pelham Public Library
|Public Town |37,778 | |
| Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library
| |Association Other |74,179 | |
| Pound Ridge Library (Hiram Halle Memorial Library) | |Public Special Legislative District |55,804 | |
| Purchase Free Library
| |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
| |Public Village |119,609 | |
| John C. Hart Memorial Library
| |Public Town |101,975 | |
| Somers Library
| |Public Town |94,475 | |
| Lewisboro Library
| |Association Town |45,561 | |
| Warner Library
| |Public Village |83,665 | |
| Tuckahoe Public Library
| |Public Village |45,945 | |
| White Plains Public Library
|Public City |284,356 | |
| Yonkers Public Library (Riverfront branch) |Public City |335,377 | |
| Yonkers Public Library (Grinton I. Will branch) | |N/A |N/A | |
| Yonkers Public Library (Crestwood branch) | |N/A |N/A | |
| class="sortbottom"
| colspan= 6 | Sources:*[http://www.westchesterlibraries.org/about-wls/member-libraries/list-of-member-libraries/ List of Member Libraries]{{cite web|title=Library Technology Guides|work=Libraries.org|url=https://librarytechnology.org/|accessdate=March 29, 2017}} |
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{{cite web | title = TASC Connect! | website =Westchester Library System | url = http://www.firstfind.org/get-your-ged/}} and older adults seeking guidance on Medicare and related benefits.{{cite web | title = Westchester Seniors Out Speaking | website = Westchester Library System | url = http://www.westchesterlibraries.org/westchester-seniors-out-speaking/}}
==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
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Portal|New York (state)}}
- [https://www.westchesterlibraries.org WLS official site]
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Category:County library systems in New York (state)