Westchester Library System

Westchester Library System works to provide FREE direct access to library resources and services and to enhance and support improvements in library service for more than 940,000 residents of Westchester county. WLS' vital role to enhance the visibility of libraries in Westchester by increasing the visibility of WLS and the 38 member libraries [1]. The WLS coordinates and manages all major events including an annual Book & Author Luncheon, African-American Literary Tea, Trustee workshops, and more.

• Advocates for Libraries [2] - You can make a difference by acting to preserve and strengthen our public libraries in Westchester. Learn more about joining [3] the Advocates of the Westchester Library System.

• WLS provides an easy to use Spanish web site Recursos [4] with links to more than 2,500 local, national and international websites. Log onto firstfind.info [5] for basic information on a wide range of important topics. New immigrants will find easy access to information with the Resource Directory for Immigrants in Westchester [6]. In addition, the Office's Library Youth Connections service makes a special effort to outreach to teens and encourage their participation in library-based programming. In partnership with local library and community agency staff, the service creates activities and informal learning opportunities that are relevant and responsive to the diverse interests and needs of today's youth.

• WLS' FREE Career & Educational Counseling Service (WEBS) [7] helps adults manage their careers in a changing world of work. Programs include group seminars, individual counseling and workshops in libraries throughout Westchester county.

• WLS provides loans of library material among libraries. Users can access library materials locally or even nationwide! This service makes available books from member library collections to inmates of three correctional facilities in Westchester County.

• WLS supports library service to children, teens and parents. WLS trains librarians, and advocates for the best library service possible, coordinate unique youth focused activities and provide resources such as library material selection and summer reading programs. Our mission is to help grow passionate readers and life-long independent learners.

• Even if you can not get to a library near you, the library is accessible to you through Homebound Services [8].

• COMING SOON! The WLS bookmobile, The Library on Tour, will provide Westchester residents better access than ever to library books and services and enrich the quality of life for residents in every corner of the county. The bookmobile will supplement the county's already impressive network of libraries and reach people who may not be able to get to a local library.

• WLS’s new Health Advocacy Resource Center (HARC) help older adults and their family caregivers living in Westchester County get reliable health care information through one-on-one counseling and access to print and online materials. It will also train them to act as their own health care advocates.

  The first HARC opened in November 2007 at the Yonkers Public Library Grinton I. Will Branch Library. One-on-one counseling is available from 10 am to 1 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

  The second HARC opened in March 2008 at the John C. Hart Memorial Library in Shrub Oak. One-on-one counseling is available from 10 am to 1 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

  Click here for current programs at HARC (PDF Flyer) [9]

  Click here for more information (PDF Brochure) [10]

Westchester Library System, one of the 23 NYS library systems established in 1958 by the State Education Law, works to reduce the libraries' costs by providing centralized services to member libraries.

WLS provides many services to enrich the 38 member libraries in Westchester including. Cataloging the library materials you use for easier access! WLS creates descriptive records to easily identify and access materials by author, title, and subject, as well as many key words. WLS member libraries link their materials to the online catalog entries so users may reserve and borrow items system-wide. Saving resources for Westchester Libraries through transporting library materials between Westchester's libraries and from the Westchester Library System. WLS keeps the more than 800 library public computers working, and provides digital services, including maintaining the online catalog of library holdings, reference databases, and downloadable audio books. Keeping Librarians Learning: WLS provides workshops and other professional training opportunities for member librarians and for Library trustees. Professional consulting available to member Libraries includes consultations on services, programs, planning, budgeting, administration, and management.