Westchester County residents can look forward to even greater reading enjoyment this summer when the Westchester Library System (WLS) book mobile comes to town. The book mobile, made possible by an $85,000 grant from the Westchester County Board of Legislators, was officially unveiled on July 16 is currently touring the county.
The book mobile will open its doors to welcome residents with library services at community programs and facilities throughout the county. Visitors can browse through a select collection
of books and other materials, borrow items and return them to the book mobile or any of the county's libraries, sign up for library cards, gather pamphlets on county and area services,
and search WLS cyber databases and resources.
"This is an exciting new way in which we are partnering with the Westchester Library System to bring library services into every neighborhood of the County," stated William J. Ryan,
Chairman of the County Board of Legislators. "And there is no better time than summer to improve access to books and to encourage literacy in Westchester County."
The book mobile will make regular stops in New Rochelle, Tarrytown, Peekskill, Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Mount Kisco, and Yorktown. The book mobile is also scheduled to appear at a variety
of upcoming community events, including the Italian and Hispanic Heritage Festivals at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, the Summer Breeze Concert Series in Mt. Vernon, and the Peekskill
Celebration.
"We look forward to showing residents how the book mobile makes getting books and information from the libraries even easier," says Siobhan A. Reardon, Executive Director of the
Westchester Library System. "Libraries are an indispensable resource within our communities and we are excited to be adding a library-on-wheels to our family of 38 libraries throughout
the county."
For additional information on the book mobile's summer tour, please contact your local library or Westchester Library System at (914)231-3226 or www.westchesterlibraries.org.
About the Westchester Library System
The Westchester Library System (WLS) includes 38 member public libraries located throughout the County and is one of New York State's 23 public library systems. WLS and its member
libraries have a total collection of 5.6 million items, including 4 million books, as well as audio recordings, videocassettes, DVDs, print serials, and other materials. Support from WLS
helps expand and enhance the services and resources of local member libraries, enabling them to better serve the public. WLS also ensures that all county residents have excellent library
service on-site and on-line. A sponsor of year-round events, WLS helps coordinate featured author events, the annual Book and Author Luncheon, and seasonal reading initiatives. The WLS
Adult and Outreach Services Department offers improved access to library services for all residents, training and development of library personnel, services to disadvantaged youth, and
WEBS Career and Educational Counseling service. WLS will commemorate its 50th year beginning November 2008 with a series of kick-off events leading up to the 50th anniversary celebration.