# Westchester Library System

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.

## 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

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

#### 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.