Your library card gives you access to free online resources that can be used to build skills at any age. All of the resources can be accessed from a computer in the library or from any internet connected computer, smartphone, or tablet. Improve math skills. Take a practice driving test. Time yourself on the SAT. Learn new software. Find out what you can do!

<= Click the image for a PDF of our brochure.

Items with a require a library number and PIN to access. Your default PIN is the last four digits of the phone number on file with your library card; call your local library if you do not remember your PIN or contact WLS. Be sure to use the link from this page unless a direct web address is provided.

WLS Online Resources are supported in part by NYS Education Department Central Library Aid, NYS Assembly Westchester Delegation, Westchester County, corporations, foundations and individuals. We are grateful for their support.

Su tarjeta de la biblioteca le ofrece acceso a recursos gratuitos en línea que puede usar para desarrollar sus habilidades a cualquier edad.

Las opciones con el símbolo requieren un número de la biblioteca y un código (PIN) para acceder. Su PIN por defecto son los últimos cuatro dígitos del número de teléfono registrado con su tarjeta de la biblioteca; llame a su biblioteca local si no recuerda su PIN o comuníquese con el WLS. Use el enlace de esta página, a menos que se proporcione una dirección directa de internet.

Los recursos en línea del WLS reciben apoyo en parte de la Asistencia de la Biblioteca Central del Departamento de Educación del Estado de NY, la delegación de Westchester a la Asamblea del Estado de NY, el condado de Westchester, corporaciones, fundaciones e individuos. Agradecemos su apoyo.

NEW! Mango Languages Personalized, adaptive language-learning for over 70 world languages, English as a second language courses for speakers from 21 different countries, plus Spanish language for business, legal, medical, and more. | Aprendizaje de idiomas personalizado y adaptable para más de 70 idiomas del mundo, cursos de inglés como segundo idioma para hablantes de 21 países diferentes, además de español para negocios, asuntos legales, médicos y más.

FIRSTFIND.ORG Offers information and learning tools for those who want to get their high school diploma, go to college, learn English, get a job, or find resources to help their children learn. Start your independent learning here! | Ofrece información y herramientas de aprendizaje para aquellos que desean obtener su diploma de escuela secundaria, ir a la universidad, aprender inglés, conseguir un trabajo o encontrar recursos para ayudar a sus hijos a aprender. ¡Comience su aprendizaje independiente aquí!

DaybyDayNY.org is an interactive calendar to develop a love for books and learning that will last a lifetime. The calendar features free picture books, songs, and family activities to build reading skills. This resource is only available in English. | Un calendario interactivo para desarrollar un amor por los libros y el aprendizaje que dure toda la vida. El calendario incluye libros de imágenes gratuitos, canciones y actividades familiares para desarrollar la lectura. Este recurso solo está disponible en inglés.

TUMBLEBOOKS Includes hundreds of animated fiction and nonfiction books. Words are highlighted as they are read aloud. Helpful for new readers and English-language learners. | Incluye cientos de libros animados de ficción y no ficción. Las palabras se resaltan a medida que se leen en voz alta. Útil para nuevos lectores y estudiantes de inglés.

LEARNING UPGRADE Short game-like lessons include pictures and music, making this a fun way to build reading and math skills. Helpful for English-language learners. | Las lecciones breves, parecidas a juegos, incluyen imágenes y música, lo que las convierte en una forma divertida de desarrollar habilidades de lectura y matemáticas. Útil para estudiantes de inglés.

Tutor.com/westchester Get live online homework help (9am-10pm daily). Take SAT or ACT practice tests. Improve your college application essay, resume or cover letter with an outside review. | Obtenga ayuda en vivo con la tarea en línea (de 9 a. m. a 10 p.m., diario). Toma los exámenes de práctica SAT o ACT. Mejore su ensayo de solicitud de ingreso a la universidad, currículum vitae o carta de presentación con una revisión externa.

GED Academy An online independent study program designed for busy adults who want to reach their goal of a high school equivalency diploma efficiently and confidently. A coach helps you get started and keeps you going. | Un programa de estudio independiente en línea diseñado para adultos ocupados que desean alcanzar su meta de obtener un diploma equivalente a la escuela secundaria de manera eficiente y segura. Un entrenador lo ayuda a comenzar y lo mantiene en marcha.

Driving Tests Free New York State Driver Permit practice tests and driver handbooks. | Pruebas de práctica gratuitas para el permiso de conducir del estado de Nueva York y manuales para conductores.

LinkedIn Learning Interactive lessons on how to use different types of software; covers everything from using a search engine to building a website. This resource is only available in English. | Lecciones interactivas sobre cómo usar diferentes tipos de software; cubre todo, desde el uso de un motor de búsqueda hasta la creación de un sitio web. Este recurso solo está disponible en inglés.

UNIVERSITY OF FASHION Expert-led video tutorials that guide you in applying creative and critical thinking skills to fashion design, pattern making, and practical sewing projects. Content is only available in English. | Tutoriales en video presentados por expertos que lo orientan para aplicar habilidades de pensamiento creativo y crítico al diseño de modas, la elaboración de patrones y los proyectos prácticos de costura. El contenido solo está disponible en inglés.

Documentaries, audiobooks, more! | ¡Documentales, audiolibros, más!

NEW! The Shelf – Spanish-language multimedia entertainment – movies, TV series, music, performing arts, podcasts, and more – from over 30 countries for kids and adults. Stream recorded or live performances. | Entretenimiento multimedia en español (películas, series de televisión, música, artes escénicas, podcasts y más) de más de 30 países para niños y adultos. Transmita presentaciones grabadas o en vivo.

Kanopy Has the full series of “Great Courses” lectures, which are delivered by noted experts in subjects that range from literature to philosophy and the sciences. | Tiene la serie completa de conferencias “Grandes cursos”, que son impartidas por destacados expertos en temas que van desde la literatura hasta la filosofía y las ciencias.

Hoopla’s “Curiosity Stream” includes documentaries and nonfiction series featuring science, nature, travel, history, technology and more. | El “Curiosity Stream” de Hoopla incluye documentales y series de no ficción sobre ciencia, naturaleza, viajes, historia, tecnología y más.

Interested in ebooks and audiobooks? Search the WLS catalog or try the Libby app to discover what’s available now and reserve titles to read later. | ¿Interesado en libros electrónicos y audiolibros? Busque en el catálogo de WLS o pruebe la aplicación Libby para descubrir lo que está disponible ahora y reservar títulos para leer más tarde.

In partnership with and in support of Summer Reading at New York Libraries, myON is providing free, unlimited, 24/7 access to myON’s Digital Library and Middle School Classics for children from birth through Grade 8. Access is available from May through September 2019. Students that already have a myON login will continue to use that login to access the myON digital library and continue reading throughout the summer. This handout contains information on how to get started with myON. Este folleto contiene información en español sobre cómo usar myON.

Students who do not have a myON login can use the following logins to access the collections:

Login Information

• School Name: New York Reads
• Username: read
• Password: books

Download our guide

HSE Connect! is available to help you reach your educational goals. Here’s what we do:

1. Explain the three available paths to a diploma.
2. Review study options – from prep classes to self-study tools that are online and in print.
3. Help you figure out where to get started.

Your next step? Talk to us!

• • Attend an HSE Information Session to learn about the test and how you can prepare. (See the calendar below)
  • Call or email – Leave your name and a contact number and time you can be reached at 914-231-3264 or HSE@wlsmail.org
  • Go to our website – FirstFind.org has all the information we would share at an Information Session and links to free study resources you can use today. Explore our site now and then feel free to ask us questions using the ASK US feature on the site.

You can also go to the Yonkers Riverfront Library. They have weekly on-site help to answer your questions about getting a high school diploma and help you learn to use online study resources. They’ll even provide some tutoring!

A full schedule of Information Session and library Resource Center hours is available below.

La información está disponible en español por cita en todos los sitios. Llame al 914.231.3264.

Los Centros de Información sobre los Beneficios para Personas Mayores (SBICs) ayudan a adultos mayores de 60 años de edad y a las personas que cuidan de los ancianos lograr un mejor conocimiento de los planes de salud de Medicare y la cobertura de medicamentos con receta médica. Usted puede adquirir información acerca de distintos tipos de beneficios que ofrece el gobierno.

Reúnase con asesores capacitados en un ambiente privado para obtener información sobre:

• Medicare
• Cobertura de medicamentos Parte D
• Planes de ahorros Medicare para ancianos de bajos ingresos
• HEAP, cupones de alimentos y otros programas de beneficios

Asesoramiento y traductores en español están disponibles con cita previa en todos los sitios. Llame (914) 231-3259 para programar una sesión de consejería en español.

Lugares y horarios convenientes para servirle:

  

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INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL

Libraries Are Not Just About Books On Shelves!

Every day thousands of Westchester residents visit one of the county’s 38 public libraries. Thousands more utilize the resources and learning tools available online. If you think of the library only in terms of finding a good book to read or to do research, you are missing out on what libraries are all about today. Patrons are downloading e-books, borrowing DVDs and games, and listening to MP3s from the library. Westchester residents turn to their local libraries for free internet access, help in finding and applying for jobs, improving business operations and learning new skills. With the state of the art performance space, galleries and free WiFi, libraries are community cultural centers, offering programs that include film screenings, concerts, art and local history exhibits, artist residencies and so much more – all free and open to the public.

Westchester Library System (WLS) is a cooperative library system, one of 23 in New York State. Serving the county’s public libraries, WLS insures cost savings and expanded levels of service for libraries that would not be possible independently. As a county-wide system, WLS assists libraries in providing quality service and programs to meet the needs of communities throughout the county.

There is little doubt that libraries are the heartbeat of the community they serve – providing information, innovation and inspiration for everyone from toddlers to seniors. But libraries are something more…they are economic engines, creating an industry that supports jobs, provides valuable free services, and insures Westchester’s place as the intellectual capitol of New York State.

With a shift in print media and the economic downturn, it may be tempting to take Westchester Library System for granted. But an investment in our public libraries and the system that supports it is more important than ever. “Libraries provide the public with information and resources,” notes WLS executive director, Terry Kirchner. “All our libraries offer free WiFi and internet access. Today as more job applications and governmental services must be completed online, the assistance provided by the trained library staff is no small public service. At WLS we are able to provide the resources and insure these and many other free and accessible services. We’re providing resources that empower libraries to better serve their communities.”

Economic Impact Of Libraries On The Local Economy

• Libraries employed 748.46 FTE paid staff members
• Libraries budgeted $48,026,781 in personnel expenses (including benefits)
• Libraries spent $4,589,539 for library materials in 2010
• Libraries will spend over $2 million on capital projects over two years (2011, 2012) pumping much needed dollars in the construction industry

WLS Provides Cost Savings To Libraries:

WLS manages the telecommunications network for all 38 libraries – the largest telecommunications network in the county. WLS staff provides all maintenance and tech service – saving individual libraries the cost of IT managers and service call fees. With 44 free WiFi locations, and 980 public use computers, residents logged in 1,437,136 times last year.

Westchester libraries save $913,000 in ongoing technology maintenance, service and upgrades and $63.7 million by not having to individually purchase Internet access.

WLS provides county-wide delivery service and inter-library loan. If there is a book you want to read or need for research, a county-wide delivery system and inter-library loan program allows patrons to borrow items from other libraries and return them anywhere in Westchester. As local library budgets are reduced, less materials are being purchased, which requires a greater use of the inter-library loan system. You can reserve using our online system, 24/7 and then return them to any Westchester library.

In 2010, over 1 million items were loaned between libraries, saving $2.5 million through the system delivery service.

WLS provides professional development and staff training. Continuing education and professional development is important in any field. In the world of libraries, maintaining customer expectations, keeping up with technology and the latest developments in the publishing world while having your pulse on the needs of the community is no small feat for the library director. With many roles to juggle, the library directors and staff know that WLS is there to provide guidance and best practices to keep them up to date.

Based on the average cost of professional development workshops, the estimated cost savings is over $6600 per library – a total of $254,000 system-wide. Our mobile classroom and webinars reduce travel costs and keep time out of the library to a minimum.

WLS provides efficiencies through cooperative and centralized services. A centralized cataloging service maintains quality control in the central WLS catalog. This means that each new item does not have to be cataloged 38 times by the individual library, at a cost savings of 80%. In addition, El Catalogo en Española, allows individuals to search and retrieve materials using Spanish vocabulary – making library resources more easily available for our Spanish speaking and reading residents.

Over 40,000 new titles were added to the catalog this year and over 20,000 Spanish language titles are available.

WLS’ Office of Community Connections offers literacy services to traditionally underserved populations. Doing more with less is standard operational procedure for many libraries today. Limited library budgets don’t always allow library staff to provide for those in most need of services. WLS helps individual libraries identify community needs and specific programs to empower their communities. Services include programs for new Americans, senior information and enrichment programs, youth and teen programs, job readiness and counseling for youth, the unemployed and individuals in mid-life transition, and learning programs for individuals with disabilities.

WLS Signature Programs Help Strengthen Communities

• GED Connect! provides tutors and support materials to help individuals secure their GED
• Learning Ambassadors mentors, trains and employs teens in the summer months
• Homework Help provides trained volunteers to help students after school in the library
• Senior Benefit Information Centers help connect seniors to services and benefits that can save them time and money
• Creative Aging/The Library Project helps seniors ignite their creativity working with trained professional artists in long term residency projects at the library
• The Westchester Educational Brokering Service (WEBS) a career and educational counseling service has conducted seminars and individual counseling sessions for job seekers at all levels, providing free career counseling to thousands of adults, helping them to advance their careers, change fields, re-enter the job market, return to school and plan for later years. This free service has helped thousands of Westchester residents, saving them hundreds of dollars since the program began over 30 years ago.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Working with our collaborators and partners, we utilize our collective resources to strengthen our ability to serve the residents of Westchester County. We are proud to work with our nonprofit colleagues on the national, state and local level. In education, social services, and the arts, our partners bring added value to the work we do in every corner of the county.

• Westchester County Department of Aging
• Lifetime Arts, Inc.
• Family Services of Westchester
• Jewish Community Services
• Westchester Community College
• Literacy Volunteers
• Purchase College/Great Potential Program

• Medicare Rights Center
• The Volunteer Center
• Mount Vernon Youth Bureau
• Yonkers Youth Bureau
• Westchester One Stop
• Berkeley College/Federal Work Study

Los Centros de Información sobre los Beneficios para Personas Mayores (SBICs) ayudan a adultos mayores de 60 años de edad y a las personas q ue cuidan los ancianos lograr un mejor conocimiento de los planes de salud de Medicare y la cobertura de medicamentos con receta médica. Usted puede adquirir información acerca de distintos tipos de beneficios que ofrece el gobierno.

Reúnase con asesores capacitados en un ambiente privado para obtener información sobre:

• Medicare
• Cobertura de medicamentos Parte D
• Planes de ahorros Medicare para ancianos de bajos ingresos
• HEAP, cupones de alimentos y otros programas de beneficios

Asesoramiento y traductores en español están disponibles con cita previa en todos los sitios. Llame (914) 231-3259 para programar una sesión de consejería en español.

Lugares y horarios convenientes para servirle:

Comunicado de prensa
Folleto
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