What is the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System?
The Library System is one of 23 public systems in New York State. It is a cooperative system with 36 member libraries – all of the public libraries in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. The best way to describe it is to say that it provides important infrastructure services to all of those 36 libraries: interlibrary loan, centralized ordering and processing of books and other library materials, grants to member libraries, professional consultant services to member libraries too small to hire a trained librarian, and direct library services to people living within the two counties in communities too small to support their own library (the System does this through its Bookmobile). The System receives 70% of its budget from the State. The balance comes from the two counties and other sources. By offering member libraries centralized services, the resulting economies of scale save those members and taxpayers almost $900,000 annually – that’s money the libraries can use to be open and for
