Type your search in the bar at the top of the page and hit “Enter” or click “Search” to begin searching the catalog.

The catalog can handle common misspellings and typos. For example, “James Pattersson” will automatically return results for James Patterson, and “Berenstein Bears” will return results for Berenstain Bears.

It also utilizes search suggestions when typing in the search bar. After entering 4 or more characters, suggestions from the catalog will appear below in a drop-down menu. Select your desired search term and the catalog will run the search! 

The catalog offers tailored experiences for each public library in Westchester County. To view your library's catalog, navigate to the Our Member Libraries tab, and choose your desired location.

You can still search collections across all Westchester libraries. But, by using your library's catalog, their items will be given priority in the search results, and you can quickly choose to search the full WLS collection or just your library's from the top of the search results.

Your library's catalog has been specially designed for your library. Its theme is inspired by colors found at the library, and the catalog may offer content not found in the standard WLS (Westchester Library System) catalog, such as local events and databases. 

Details such as the library's website, location, hours, and contact information can also be found within your library's catalog by clicking the hamburger (three-line) menu in the top right.

eContent is now fully integrated into the catalog! Place holds or check out eContent materials from the search results.

Filter your search results by selecting the eBook format or a specific eContent Collection filter.

Browse categories appear on the homepage of the catalog and offer a way to visually browse items in the library collection. 

In addition to browse categories created by library staff, three personalized browse categories can appear as you use the catalog: Your Saved Searches, Your Lists, and Recommendations for You.

• Your Saved Searches appear once you have saved one or more searches to your account.
• Your Lists appear after creating your first list.
• Recommendations for You appear after you have rated your first title and will populate with content the catalog thinks you may like based on past ratings.

Saved Searches is a useful tool for tracking common searches you may check regularly.

Say, for example, you are a big fan of James Patterson and are always looking for his newest book. You can run a search and add any filters you would like. For this example, let's say you ran an Author search for James Patterson, and used the search toggle button above the search results to limit them to titles with added filters for "Fiction" and  "Added in the Last: Six Months". 

Once the search is set up as needed, click the Search Tools button at the top of the search results and click Save Search.

Phrase Searches ("")

To perform a phrase search wrap the entire search phrase in quotes.

By putting double quotes around a set of words, you are telling the system to consider the exact words in that exact order without any change.

Wildcard Searches

To perform a single character wildcard search use the ? symbol.

For example, to search for "text" or "test" you can use the search:

te?t

To perform a multiple character, 0 or more, wildcard search use the * symbol.

For example, to search for test, tests or tester, you can use the search:

test*

You can also use the wildcard searches in the middle of a term.

te*t

Note: You cannot use a * or ? symbol as the first character of a search.

Range Searches

To perform a range search you can use the { } characters. For example to search for a term that starts with either A, B, or C:

{A TO C}

The same can be done with numeric fields such as the Year:

[2002 TO 2003]

Boosting a Term

To apply more value to a term, you can use the ^ character. For example, you can try the following search:

economics Keynes^5

Which will give more value to the term "Keynes"

Boolean Operators

Boolean operators allow terms to be combined with logic operators. The following operators are allowed: AND, +, OR, NOT and -.

Note: Boolean operators must be ALL CAPS

OR

The OR operator is the default conjunction operator. This means that if there is no Boolean operator between two terms, the OR operator is used. The OR operator links two terms and finds a matching record if either of the terms exist in a record.

To search for documents that contain either "economics Keynes" or just "Keynes" use the query:

"economics Keynes" Keynes

or

"economics Keynes" OR Keynes AND

The AND operator matches records where both terms exist anywhere in the field of a record.

To search for records that contain "economics" and "Keynes" use the query:

"economics" AND "Keynes" +

The "+" or required operator requires that the term after the "+" symbol exist somewhere in the field of a record.

To search for records that must contain "economics" and may contain "Keynes" use the query:

+economics Keynes NOT

The NOT operator excludes records that contain the term after NOT.

To search for documents that contain "economics" but not "Keynes" use the query:

"economics" NOT "Keynes"

Note: The NOT operator cannot be used with just one term. For example, the following search will return no results:

NOT "economics" -

The - or prohibit operator excludes documents that contain the term after the "-" symbol.

To search for documents that contain "economics" but not "Keynes" use the query:

"economics" -"Keynes"

To request an item in the catalog, select “Place Hold” on the right-hand side of the search results next to the desired format. (Books will appear first, followed by other formats in alphabetical order. If placing a hold here, the catalog will choose the best record based on availability and the number of copies.)

If you are not signed in when selecting “Place Hold”, the catalog will ask you to log in first, and then you can follow the process from above to place the hold. 

If you are signed in to your account, a pop-up will appear asking to confirm details such as pickup location, which volume is being requested if applicable, and contact information. If available, your email and default phone number will populate automatically. After reviewing the information and updating it if necessary, click “Submit Hold Request”. 

If you want to receive a text notification when your hold is ready, check the box for "Yes, by text message" and ensure the related fields are filled in.  (Note: carrier charges may apply.)

To change the number associated with holds, update your Mobile Number in Your Account > Account Settings > Hold Notifications Preferences. This can be done before or after placing the hold.

 Hint: use the full 10 digits of your phone #, no spaces, no dashes

If successful, the hold will be placed. If you have opted into notifications, you will be notified when the item is available for pickup.

If a hold fails, an error message will appear. If you are unsure why the hold failed, you may contact your library. 

The catalog has integration with OverDrive/Libby and Hoopla so that when you select “Check Out” or “Place Hold” on content from these platforms, the actions occur almost immediately (as long as you are logged in). Checked-out materials are available for viewing within pop-up readers in the catalog, or through OverDrive/Libby and Hoopla’s platforms.

If placing a hold on eContent for the first time, a pop-up will appear and ask for an email address to send a notification when the hold is available. If you select the check box for "Remember these settings", you will no longer see this pop-up when placing a hold.

If the hold is successful, a confirmation message will appear.

If you are logged in to your account and place a hold or check out a title successfully, a confirmation message will appear:

Once the hold is available, you can access your content through the catalog in Your Account, through the Libby app, or at libbyapp.com. Hoopla content can be accessed on the Hoopla platform. 

Canceling a hold is done in Your Account > Titles on Hold. You can cancel holds for physical materials and digital content on OverDrive/Libby. You must be logged in to the catalog to do this.

You can either use the cancel button on the right to cancel a specific hold or use the "Cancel Selected" or "Cancel All" boxes in addition to selecting titles via the checkboxes to the left of the cover images.

Once you've clicked one of the Cancel buttons, a pop-up box will appear asking you to confirm. Click "Confirm Cancel Hold".

After the hold has been canceled, a success message will appear.

Suspending and activating holds is handled in Your Account > Titles on Hold. You must be logged in to the catalog to do this.

Suspending Holds

You can either use the "Suspend Hold" button on the right to suspend a specific hold or use the "Suspend Selected" or "Suspend All" boxes in addition to selecting titles via the checkboxes to the left of the cover images.

Once you've clicked one of the suspend options, a pop-up box will appear. Within the pop-up, you may choose a date for the hold to automatically activate. If a date is not entered, you can manually activate the hold when you are ready for it. To finish suspending your hold, select "Suspend Hold".

Once the hold has been suspended, a success message will appear.

Activating Holds

To manually activate a suspended hold, visit Your Account > Titles on Hold and scroll down to your Pending Holds. You can either use the "Activate Hold" button on the right to activate a specific hold, or use the "Activate Selected" or "Activate All" boxes in addition to selecting titles via the checkboxes to the left of the cover images.

Once you've clicked one of the activate buttons, a pop-up box will appear while the system updates your hold.

Once the hold has been activated, a success message will appear.

To access your account, you will need to log in to the catalog. Click Sign In in the top right of the header.

Enter your library card number (found on the back of your library card, beneath the barcode) without spaces, and then enter your password.

Note: If you do not know what your password is, reach out to your local library for assistance or follow the instructions below to reset your password.

If you do not know your password and need to reset it to gain access to your account, please click the "Reset My Password" link on the sign-in pop-up or visit https://opac.westchesterlibraries.org/MyAccount/EmailResetPin.

Next, enter your library card number or user name associated with your account and click "Reset My password".

An email will be sent to the email address associated with that account. We recommend checking your email's spam folder if you do not see the email shortly. If you do not receive an email in the next few minutes, please reach out to your local library for assistance.

If you DO know your account password and wish to change your password, start by logging in to the catalog.

Once you are logged in, select "Account Settings" from the left-hand side panel and click "Reset Password". On the following screen, you will need to enter your current password, and your new password, and click "Update" to save your new password.

If you are logged in to the catalog, Your Account > Checked Out Titles will show you all physical and digital content currently checked out. This includes items checked out in person, as well as digital titles you checked out directly through the catalog, app, of Overdrive and Hoopla apps.

If recent transactions are not appearing in Checked Out Titles, click the “Refresh” button on the top-right corner and they should appear.

Titles on Hold will show all titles, both physical and digital, that are currently on hold for you in Your Account > Titles on Hold. Holds ready for pickup will appear above any pending holds.

To turn on reading history, log in to the catalog with your library card number and password, and then navigate to Your Account > Reading History.

The Westchester Library System takes the privacy of your library records very seriously. Therefore, the library staff do not keep track of what you borrow after you return it. However, our catalog has a feature called "My Reading History" that allows you to track items you check out. Participation in the feature is entirely voluntary. You may start or stop using it, as well as delete any or all entries in "My Reading History" at any time.

If you choose to start recording "My Reading History," you agree to allow our automated system to store this data. The library staff does not have access to your "My Reading History", however, it is subject to all applicable local, state, and federal laws, and under those laws, could be examined by law enforcement authorities without your permission. If this is of concern to you, you should not use the "My Reading History" feature.

Select "Start Recording My Reading History" to enable this feature.

Note: If you had a reading history in the old catalog, it will be imported when you select "Start Recording My Reading History". This may take a few minutes depending on the size of your history.

A summary of charges owed can be found by going to Your Account > Fines.

Please Note:

The Westchester Library System uses ONline SmartPay to collect online payments from patrons.

Select the link for "Click to enter the SmartPay system to pay your bills. Requires separate login." Enter your library card and PIN.

Before submitting a payment, please read the instructions on the Home tab. Open the Pay Fines/Fees tab to make your payment.  After confirming the amount to pay, enter your credit card details into the form, such as card number, zip code, expiration date, and CVC. To finalize the payment, click Finish.

Payment History

You can view a list of payments made online in the catalog by going to the Transactions tab. Note that only payments made through the online catalog will appear here. Payments made over the desk, through the old catalog, or via other means will NOT be displayed in this list.

If you have questions about charges or payments, please reach out to your local library.

The catalog is available in English and Spanish. To change the language of the catalog, use the Languages & Display button in the top right of the catalog. You can also click the hamburger (three lines) menu and select a language at the bottom of that menu.

If you are logged in to your account, you can also update your preferred language in Your Account > Your Preferences.

Preferences and Settings associated with your account can be adjusted by going to Your Account > Account Settings and selecting one of the subcategories:

Your Preferences

Here you can adjust your desired language and display (see Change Your Language and Theme), and set your preferred hold pickup location (the selected library will appear at the top of the list when placing a hold).

Contact Information

This page displays your contact/personal information. To make changes to any of the fields on this page, please reach out to your local library.

Hold Notification Preferences

For holds, you can be notified by phone call and/or by text message. To select either or both of these options, check the checkbox next to the notification type.

If you choose to be notified by text message, be sure to enter your mobile number and consent to receiving text messages.

Reset PIN/Password

To update the PIN/password associated with your account, enter your current PIN/password along with the updated one. NOTE: PINs are typically the last four digits of your phone number.

Libby and Hoopla Options

Here you can adjust the email address associated with holds in OverDrive/Libby and decide the default loan period for e-material checked out through Aspen.

AND

Anyone with a library account can create a list.  Lists can be completely private (viewable only by the creator) or made public and shareable via email or link.

There are two ways to create lists. The first is by navigating to Your Lists (click on your name in the top left and select Your Lists from the menu). On this page, you can select the Create a New List button, name your list and add a description if you like, mark it as private or public if you'd like to share it with others, and then select Create List.

The second way to create a new list is by clicking Add to List for a title within search results and then selecting Create a New List within the following pop-up. You will then be able to name your list, add a description, and set it to private/public before saving your changes.

OR

Give your list a title and description, and use the toggle to make the list private or public (optional). Note: Public lists can be shared with other people by copying the URL of the list or using the Email List button when viewing the list.

You can edit your lists from Your Account > Your Lists. Click the title of the list to make edits or share it.

Edit options include:

• Edit
• Add Multiple Titles
• Email List
• Print List
• Export List to CSV or RIS
• Generate Citations
• Sort By
• Delete List

Edit Title, Description, and Sharing Options

Note: Public lists can be shared with other people by copying the URL of the list or using the Email List button when viewing the list.

Add Multiple Titles:

Enter one or more titles or ISBNs to add to your list. Each title or ISBN should be on its own line. We will search the catalog for each title and add the first matching title for each line to your list.

Email List

Print List

Export List to CSV or RIS

Generate Citations

Sort By

Delete Title from List

If you created lists in our old catalog, they can be imported into the new catalog after logging in for the first time by visiting Your Account > Your Lists and clicking Import from Old Catalog.

Note: If titles have been deleted from the library catalog, they will not appear on your imported list.