Throughout 2009, we will be featuring a variety of exciting events in celebration of fifty years of innovation, support, and service to Westchester's libraries.

Here is just a sample of the WLS celebrations that are coming soon:

• African-American Writers and Readers Literary Tea - January, 19 2009
• National Library Week Book & Author Luncheon - April 16, 2009
• WLS Bookmobile 50th Anniversary Summer Tour Kickoff - June 2009
• 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting and Awards Reception - November 2009

Also, we are proud to announce the creation of three new WLS awards in recognition of the 50th Anniversary year:

• The Service Award: To an outstanding individual supporter such as a staff member, volunteer or donor
• The Support Award: To an outstanding corporate supporter
• The Innovation Award: To an outstanding community group, municipality or service organization whose work supports Westchester libraries.

All 38 member libraries are urged to nominate key library supporters from their communities in all three categories. All nominees will be honored at the 2009 Awards Reception in November, where awards will be presented to the winning three recipients. Awards will be decided by a panel of judges made up on WLS board members, community leaders, and a representative of the WLS staff.

We hope that these award and nominations will help to heighten awareness of WLS, as well as participation and community involvement.

Visit this page often to check back on these special events and to find out how you can get involved!