LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Westchester Library System upon
the occasion of its designation for special recognition by the White
Plains Library Foundation

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Westchester Library System upon the occasion of its designation for
special recognition by the White Plains Library Foundation on Saturday,
April 9, 2011; and
WHEREAS, This special event is the White Plains Library Foundation's
6th Annual Treasures Gala, entitled, "Honoring Our Community Partners";
and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Westchester Library System (WLS) is to
ensure that all residents have seamless access to excellent library
service throughout Westchester County; and
WHEREAS, WLS collaborates with 38 libraries in Westchester County to
provide access to resources and services and to enhance and support
library service for the more than 940,000 residents; it is one of New
York State's 23 public systems which were established in 1958 by the
State Education Law; and
WHEREAS, WLS works to reduce the libraries' costs by providing
centralized services for the 38 libraries in Westchester; they include:
managing the online library system and the Internet access system for
the County's libraries, which includes more than 600 public access
computers available at the libraries; maintaining the online catalog of
library holdings, reference databases, and downloadable audio books;
cataloging of library materials for easier access through descriptive
records by author, title, subject, as well as many key words; operating
a delivery system that transports over 2 million items annually; provid-
ing professional consulting for services, programs, planning, budgeting,
administration and management in the areas of youth services, outreach
services, prison services, youth connections, educational and career
counseling, as well as adult services; providing workshops and other
professional training opportunities for library staff and trustees; and
promoting the importance of library service within the County; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Westchester Library System upon the occasion of its desig-
nation for special recognition by the White Plains Library Foundation;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Terry Kirchner, PhD., Executive Director of the Westchester
Library System.