OUR MISSION
Our mission is to provide inclusive access to a wide range of materials, information, programs, and services. We are committed to offering versatile public spaces that inspire learning, creativity, and connection, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all residents of the Town of Pound Ridge.
OUR VISION
The Pound Ridge Library is the thriving cultural and intellectual heart of our community. Responsive, innovative, and forward-thinking, the Library empowers individuals and groups of all ages with access to information, technology, cultural enrichment, and entertainment in a vibrant, engaging environment where possibilities are endless.
OUR VALUES
- Respect and Equity: We treat all individuals with dignity and respect, fostering a sense of belonging for all.
- Knowledge and Dialogue: We believe in the transformative power of ideas, knowledge, and open discussion to enrich lives and communities.
- Stewardship: We responsibly manage resources to sustain and grow our services.
- Environmental Responsibility: We are committed to sustainable practices that support environmental well-being.
- Community-Centered Service: We strive to meet the evolving needs of our community with dedication and care.
OUR PROMISE
We promise to deliver exceptional service, programs, and experiences to Pound Ridge residents. We actively seek community input to guide improvements and ensure that our facilities, operations, and offerings remain relevant and impactful for current and future generations.
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Pound Ridge Library is the cornerstone of our town, serving its 5,082 residents. As of 2024, the Library had 1,501 cardholders, including full-time residents and weekend visitors. Beyond being a center for learning and discovery, the Library serves as a hub for cultural enrichment and community interaction.
Chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, the Library is governed by a publicly elected Board of Trustees. The Library’s funding comes from taxpayer support, private endowments, and fundraising initiatives managed by the Pound Ridge Library Foundation.
The library serves as a dynamic hub for information, learning, and community engagement, offering access to diverse collections of books, magazines, films, music, a variety of digital resources, and modern technology. It provides flexible spaces for collaboration, study, and events, fostering innovation and lifelong learning.
Our facilities span three acres, including the Library building and auxiliary cottage. The grounds, adorned with unique trees and plantings, reflect the town’s pride and character.
The Library employs a full-time Director, two full-time professional librarians, one part-time librarian, and three part-time clerks. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the Library’s operations by assisting with clerical tasks and shelving materials.
The Library is open 49 hours per week:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM during summer hours)
The Library remains closed on Sundays and Mondays.
As a member of the Westchester Library System (WLS), the Library benefits from shared resources and support. It uses Evergreen, an online circulation and cataloging system administered by WLS, which provides training and assistance to ensure smooth operations and access to contracted applications.
I. Physical Plant
- Optimize library grounds use and access to library events and programs
- Continue to explore possible expansion of the parking lot.
- Continue to explore ADA-compliant solutions such as an alternate back door entrance and wheelchair ramp
- Continue to explore landscape/hardscape options to beautify library grounds
- Extend open hours – starting with Thursday evenings and consider adding Tuesday evenings. Sundays and Mondays -staffing/budget considerations.
II. Technology/Technical Equipment
- Optimize communication/social media
- Continue and enhance website/Facebook/Instagram sites
- Continue regular support and announcements through local media such as The Recorder and Recreation department flyer
- Explore programs that would provide community input and encourage community involvement
- Support best practice library internal controls
- Further develop and enhance library collections:
- Focus on expanding our digital resources and e-books/audiobooks collection.
- Optimize Schaffner room audio-visual system
- Improve audio system and consider adding video* to our audio system in the Schaffner Room
- Consider additional user-friendly systems
- Self-checkout kiosks
- Lockers for after-hours pick-up
III. Fiscal Stewardship
Look into electronic payments for checks for added efficiency and security in the future with well-thought-out strategies
Optimize internal fiscal controls
