Westchester Library System

The Westchester Library System (WLS) is the library system for the citizens of Westchester County, New York. It was established in 1958. The system is made up of 38 libraries across the county and its headquarters are located in Tarrytown, New York.

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About

The Westchester Library System (WLS) is a state-chartered, cooperative library system serving all 38 Westchester member public libraries and the county's citizens. As one of the 23 public library systems serving New York State's public libraries, the Westchester Library System 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. Regular Board Meetings are generally held the last Tuesday of each month, excluding July & August, at 6 pm at the WLS Headquarters. Please call the System at 914-674-3600 to confirm the date. Listed below are some of the important services offered:

Cataloging and processing

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

Information Technology (IT)

Information Technology (IT) operates the circulation system and maintains the network, providing access to collections, as well as 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 Adult and Outreach Services Department seeks to improve access to public Library services for all residents of Westchester County. Activities include:

Creation of an easy to use online Library that provides a wide range of topics at firstfind.info.

Provide access to community resources on a bilingual directory of services for immigrants.

Developing online resources for Westchester's Spanish speaking population. Support for adult literacy through the Westchester Literacy and Learning Alliance.

Service to State and County correctional facility inmates. Access to assistive technology for residents with vision, hearing, physical or learning conditions which are barriers to full Library use. WLS and member Libraries participate in partnerships that serve Westchester's aging population through such activities as programs and provision of Library-based Caregiver Resource Centers. 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 supports member Library service to children, youth and parents through a wide range of programs, activities, training and collection development.

External relations

Develops and maintains contact with community organizations, press and media. Also coordinates special events such as the Book and Author Luncheon and the African-American Literary Tea.

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.

External links

• WLS official site

• [http://www.westchestertowns.com/htm/lnk/Link0024.html Westchester County Libraries by Town