COUNTY LEGISLATURE DELIVERS FUNDS FOR LIBRARY ON WHEELS
Legislators Contract with Westchester Library System for $85,000 To Fund New Book Mobile

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 12, 2007

Westchester residents will have better access than ever to library books and services thanks to a County Board of Legislators' contract with the Westchester Library System (WLS) to purchase a book mobile.
County Board Chair Bill Ryan (5th District, White Plains) and Vice Chair Clinton I. Young, Jr. (13th District-Mt. Vernon) today presented a check for $85,000 to WLS Executive Director Siobhan Reardon at the Mount Vernon Public Library (pictured below ), which serves as the central library for the system. The funds will be used to purchase and operate the Westchester Book Mobile for WLS's upcoming Library on Tour program.

Ryan said that the book mobile will enable WLS to bring library services to a wide range of community programs and facilities throughout the county that serve diverse constituencies across every age group.

“The WLS came to the County Board with a great vision --- a plan to extend the library's reach to every corner of the county," said Ryan. "The book mobile will supplement the county's already impressive network of libraries and reach people who may not have the mobility or ability to get to a library."

County Legislator Young commented on the book mobile's value to the Mount Vernon community. “As legislator for the City of Mount Vernon, I’m proud to provide this funding that will go a long way in improving the services and resources for the people of Mount Vernon," said. "This book mobile will open doors for homebound seniors and adults, as well as enhance educational resources and opportunities for our children.”

County Legislator Michael Kaplowitz (D-Somers), Chair of the Board's Budget & Appropriations Committee, commented that the County Board's support for the book mobile is just a continuation of what he considers a very positive and productive partnership between the WLS and the county.

"The County Board has funded many WLS initiatives in the past, such as helping local libraries transition to new technologies and developing an inter-library borrowing system, that have profoundly strengthened our individual community libraries. By going out into the community with a book mobile, WLS will be able to enrich the quality of life for residents in every corner of the county."

WLS Executive Director Siobhan Reardon commented that the service contract with the County Board of Legislators for the Library on Tour program speaks to the longstanding commitment the Legislators have for libraries and library services throughout the county. “We could not be more pleased that the County Board of Legislators has provided us with the ability to truly reach out to those constituencies who are not typical library users or have limited mobility. We now have the ability to bring library resources to anywhere in the county.”

For more information, Westchester Library System (914) 674-3600 or log on to www.westchesterlibraries.org.