some of the best features and programs brought to you by the amazing Westchester Library Systems (WLS) for kids in preschool, elementary school and beyond
Start here - and it's FREE ...your Westchester Library Systems card! Sign up for a card (with proof of residence) at your local library anywhere in Westchester and receive borrowing privileges for all libraries in the entire county, not to mention access to all of the kid-focused activities and special events. Find your local branch today at http://westchesterlibraries.org.
In a county with great libraries to spare, one standout includes the very recently renovated Scarsdale Library, the absolute best part of which is its extremely diverse and VERY extensive collection of holiday picture books. They have a huge section dedicated entirely to holidays, with representation from many different religions and cultures as well as secular/national holidays. This should be your first stop if holiday or seasonally themed picture books are a hit in your home! This location also features a "Maker Space" with signup based access to sewing machines, 3D printers, and more. Did we mention there is a cafe in the lobby?
Larchmont Library is a go-to for excellent children's specialty programming. A fan favorite is the annual Puzzle Swap, which usually takes place in the fall around early November. Save your completed, outgrown, or no longer needed puzzles all year, bring them to the swap and trade them in for some new-to-you puzzles to see you through the winter! There are also lots of age-delineated after school groups and programs.
If your little ones love crafts, big, sunny reading rooms, and memory-making holiday programming, head to Port Chester-Rye Brook Library for all of the above along with some of the friendliest children's librarians in Westchester. Each month there is a featured Grab and Go craft (an owl for September/back to school season, a blue whale over the summer, and a fantastic haunted house last October were some recent projects). In recent years there has also been a slate of enjoyable Halloween programming such as Halloween bingo, Trunk or Treat, and Haunted House making. Check the website for the most updated events calendar!
Bronxville Library is a toddler or preschooler's dream come true, with low shelving, one of the largest board book selections in the county, and a smaller, brightly-lit playroom perfect for the youngest patrons. Expect to find a big pile of cozy stuffies, chunky puzzles, and a big stack of coloring pages when you visit!
With so many locations to explore within WLS, visit a new one each week and your little readers are sure to find a favorite. A full list of all the libraries within the system along with hours of operation and special events calendars for each can be found at the main page at http://westchesterlibraries.org .