Local Libraries to the Rescue: Programs and Resources for Families

I grew up surrounded by librarians.

My mom was a librarian. My grandmother was a librarian. Even my great-grandmother was a librarian.

Which is why it always felt a little ironic that I was never a huge reader as a child.

I think part of it was that I associated reading with assigned books rather than with discovering stories and topics that genuinely interested me. It wasn’t until my early twenties, after moving to New York City, that my relationship with books completely changed.

A friend and I started our own little book club where we would take turns choosing a book to read. Some books pushed me outside my comfort zone, and some I would never have picked myself, but slowly I started falling in love with reading.

Years later, after moving to Westchester and raising a family here, my appreciation expanded beyond books and into libraries themselves.

Now, walking into our local library feels like a warm, cozy hug. Over the years, I’ve taken Pilates classes there, attended community events, browsed shelves with my kids, and realized libraries have become so much more than places to borrow books.

Libraries today are community spaces. They are places to learn, connect, work, relax, create, and explore new interests, often completely free.

One thing I’ve especially noticed while exploring libraries throughout Westchester is that each one has its own personality and strengths. Some are especially strong in children’s programming, while others focus on wellness classes, educational support, technology resources, cultural events, or senior programming.

Here are some of the standout offerings I discovered across Westchester libraries.

Bronxville Public Library

• Children’s programming includes preschool play dates, Disney sing-alongs, Magna-Tile building events, and music programs such as “Rob the Guitar Guy” and “Little Harmonicas.”
• The library regularly hosts therapy dog reading programs such as “Paws to Read to Lucy,” where children can practice reading aloud in a supportive environment.
• Teen and college-bound students can participate in SAT preparation sessions, study skills workshops, and college admissions presentations.
• Adult programming includes movie screenings, knitting and crochet groups, arts and crafts, educational lectures, and mindfulness-focused events.
• The Friends of the Bronxville Public Library help support many of the library’s seasonal activities, contests, enrichment programs, and summer reading initiatives throughout the year.

Chappaqua Library

• Children’s programming includes storytimes like “Bouncing Babies,” “Nursery Rhyme Time,” and “Movers and Shakers,” along with hands-on crafts, building activities, and seasonal workshops.
• Teen offerings include study support, gardening activities, badminton events, crafts, and teen focus groups that encourage students to help shape future library spaces and programming.
• One especially valuable feature is the library’s Learning Center, which includes resources related to ADHD, autism, anxiety, dyslexia, executive functioning, mindfulness, parenting, and other educational and mental health topics.
• Community resources include a Library of Things collection, museum passes, home delivery services, study room reservations, and mobile printing.
• The library also hosts large community events throughout the year, including the Friends of the Library annual book sale and farmers market pop-up events.

Greenburgh Public Library 

• Children’s programming includes Musical Munchkins, sensory play opportunities, preschool yoga, crafts, and seasonal educational events for a range of ages.
• Teen offerings include chess clubs, crochet clubs, gaming opportunities, creative arts programming, and dedicated spaces for tweens and teens to gather.
• Adult and senior programming includes chair yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, knitting groups, book clubs, wellness workshops, educational lectures, and community discussion groups throughout the year.
• Language and cultural programming includes English, Italian, and French conversation groups, multicultural events, concerts, art receptions, and community presentations.
• One especially unique feature is the library’s Explorer Bags and Library of Things collection, which allows families to borrow birdwatching kits, binoculars, and hands-on learning materials for outdoor exploration and nature-based learning.

Katonah Village Library 

• The library’s “Read to Callie” program gives children the opportunity to practice reading aloud to a certified therapy dog in a supportive setting that helps build confidence.
• Teen programming includes creative writing activities, cooking events, gaming opportunities, and organized social events specifically designed for middle and high school students.
• The library regularly hosts puppet shows, performances, seasonal crafts, and nature-focused educational presentations for families throughout the year.
• One especially memorable feature is Tina, the library’s longtime pet turtle, who has become a favorite among many local children and families.
• The warm, community-centered atmosphere makes the library feel especially welcoming for families with younger children.

Mount Kisco Public Library

• Children’s programming includes music and movement classes, crafts, holiday programs, and seasonal educational activities for a wide range of ages.
• The library’s “Read to Rover” program allows children to practice reading aloud to therapy dogs in a supportive environment designed to help build confidence and literacy skills.
• Hands-on crafts and creative programming are regularly tied to seasons, holidays, and educational themes throughout the year.
• Adult programming has included meditation, mindfulness programs, Mahjong groups, book discussions, and educational presentations for the community.
• Community-wide initiatives such as summer reading programs and seasonal events help encourage reading and participation across all age groups.

New Rochelle Public Library

• The library’s Huguenot Children’s Library is specifically designed for younger children and families, featuring child-sized spaces, early literacy resources, and family-centered programming.
• Children’s programming includes preschool activities, seasonal workshops, summer programs, arts and crafts, and educational events designed to support learning and creativity.
• Teen programming includes study support, volunteer opportunities, creative activities, and educational resources that help support both academic and personal growth.
• One standout feature of the library is its community support services, which help connect residents to healthcare navigation, career assistance, job search resources, legal information, and social services.
• Homebound delivery services are available for residents unable to visit the library in person, helping ensure books and audiobooks remain accessible to community members of all ages.

Ossining Public Library   

• Children’s programming includes bilingual activities, crafts, STEM-based learning opportunities, and seasonal educational events designed to encourage literacy and creativity.
• Teen offerings include volunteer opportunities, creative programming, gaming activities, and events that provide both educational and social opportunities for middle and high school students.
• The library is especially known for its multicultural and bilingual programming, including Spanish-language events, Spanish book clubs, English conversation groups, and cultural programs that reflect the community’s diversity.
• Adult programming includes author talks, educational workshops, concerts, film screenings, wellness-related programming, and lifelong learning opportunities throughout the year.
• The library regularly hosts community events, cultural celebrations, and public programs that help create an inclusive and welcoming environment for residents of all ages.

Rye Free Reading Room

• Children’s programming includes music and movement activities, crafts, seasonal workshops, and educational events designed to encourage literacy and creativity for younger visitors.
• Teen programming includes volunteer opportunities, creative activities, book discussions, and social events that provide both educational and community-building experiences for students.
• Adult offerings include author talks, educational presentations, wellness-related programming, book groups, and cultural events throughout the year.
• The library regularly hosts concerts, art exhibits, seasonal celebrations, and community events that help preserve its warm, neighborhood-centered atmosphere.
• One especially appealing feature is the balance between the library’s historic character and its modern educational programming, giving visitors both a traditional library feel and updated community resources.

Scarsdale Public Library

• Recently renovated, the Scarsdale Public Library combines the feel of a modern community center with the traditional warmth of a library, creating welcoming spaces for children, teens, adults, and families.
• The library features expanded children’s areas, dedicated teen spaces, quiet study rooms, collaborative workspaces, and comfortable reading areas designed to support both learning and community connection.
• Children’s programming includes sensory-friendly activities, maker programs, music and movement classes, seasonal workshops, and educational events throughout the year.
• Teen offerings include volunteer opportunities, creative programming, gaming activities, wellness-related events, and spaces specifically designed for studying and socializing.
• One especially notable feature is the library’s thoughtfully designed children’s wing and modern gathering spaces, which have made it a popular destination for families throughout Westchester.

White Plains Public Library

• Children’s programming includes music and movement classes, bilingual events, seasonal workshops, crafts, and educational programs designed to encourage creativity and hands-on learning.
• Teen offerings include homework help, creative programming, volunteer opportunities, gaming activities, and college and career support resources.
• Adult programming includes wellness classes, technology workshops, career development programs, financial literacy events, cultural presentations, and lifelong learning opportunities.
• Community-centered resources include business and career support, citizenship resources, language-learning programs, and educational initiatives that support residents at many different stages of life.
• One especially valuable feature is the library’s extensive calendar of events and workshops, which reflects the diversity and wide range of interests within the White Plains community.

Resources Many Westchester Libraries Offer

• Museum and cultural attraction passes throughout New York City and the Hudson Valley.
• Ebooks, audiobooks, streaming services, and online learning platforms
• Printing, scanning, Wi-Fi, and computer access
• Study rooms, tutoring resources, and homework help
• Yoga, Pilates, meditation, and wellness programming
• STEM activities, coding classes, and maker programs for children and teens
• Summer reading programs and seasonal educational events
• Craft workshops, educational presentations, and lifelong learning opportunities
• ESL and language-learning support programs
• Teen volunteer opportunities and community service programs

The Westchester Library System

One thing many people may not realize is that all of these libraries are connected through the Westchester Library System, which helps provide shared services and resources throughout the county.

Your library card gives you access to much more than just your local building. Through the Westchester Library System, residents can access ebooks, audiobooks, streaming resources, online learning tools, museum passes, and educational databases from home through their phones, tablets, or computers.

Many libraries also provide resources for job searching, career development, test preparation, language learning, technology support, and continuing education for both students and adults.

A Win for the Community

The more I explored libraries throughout Westchester, the more I realized they are some of the most valuable community resources we have. Many of us probably do not take full advantage of them.

Of course, libraries still offer books, and for me personally, that love of reading grew over time. But what surprised me most as an adult and parent was realizing how much libraries have evolved into true community spaces.

They have become places where toddlers attend music classes, teens find study support and volunteer opportunities, adults take wellness classes or attend educational workshops, and seniors build social connections through shared activities and learning programs.

In a world that often feels rushed, expensive, and overly connected to screens, libraries offer something different. They provide opportunities to slow down, learn something new, connect with others, and spend meaningful time together.

Whether you visit your local library for books, storytime, museum passes, technology help, a Pilates class, or simply a quiet place to sit for an hour, there is truly something there for everyone. If you haven’t explored your local library recently, this might be your sign to walk back through the doors.