The Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System is a cooperative Public Library System serving 36 member libraries in a two-county area of 2,415 square miles.  It is a rural area; most of its 223,705 people live in scattered hamlets and small villages.  The member libraries serve populations ranging up to 31,730, but the majority serve populations of less than 4,000. All chartered public libraries in the System's service area are members of the System. 

     The System receives major operating funds from the state and supplemental funds from the two counties. These are augmented by occasional federal grants for equipment, services and personnel. Member libraries receive support from the state and counties (through the System) and from their respective villages, school districts, towns, townships, cities and occasionally, from private foundations and other private sources. 

     The System aids member libraries in many ways. There are at least six broad categories: 

     1. Expand and Improve Library Resources 
     2. Train and Develop Library Personnel 
     3. Advisory Services 
     4. Technical Services 
     5. Public Relations 
     6. Grants