Logo with the words "Westchester Library System Battle of the Books" featuring two anthropomorphic books with faces getting ready to punch each other in the center.

What is Battle of the Books?
Battle of the Books is an the annual book trivia tournament run by the Westchester Library System. Every library has its own teams and we ‘re looking for kids who will be in grades 4-12 in Fall 2026 to represent  Dobbs Ferry!

When and where is the 2025 tournament?
This year’s tournament will be on Saturday, October 24th, at Anne M. Dorner Middle School in Ossining. All participants are required to be able to make it that day. We’re having an interest meeting on Wednesday, May 20th, at 7pm on Zoom and a launch party (where committed members will get their books and meet their teammates) on a yet-to-be-decided date in June. Practices will begin in the fall — times and dates to follow soon! See “How do I join?” below to sign up for the interest meeting. 

What books will we be reading?
Grades 4-7

Grades 6-12

All books will be provided by the library and you get to keep your copies!

What if I can’t make all the practices and/or battles?
Come for as many practices as you can, but you must be able to make the tournament on Saturday, October 24th. 

How do I join?
For incoming grades 4-7, please talk to Ms. Gina by emailing her at childrens@dobbsferrylibrary.org, calling (914) 693-6615, or stopping by the children’s room. For incoming grades 6-12, please contact Alex Yeranossian, our teen librarian, at teens@dobbsferrylibrary.org. Participants and their families will be asked to sign commitment forms and photo releases stating their intention to join and remain on our teams before they can participate. These forms are due by the date of our launch party in June (date TBD), and can be accessed via our interest meeting or via email. 

What if I want to volunteer?
Battle of the Books is looking for adult volunteers to help monitor matches and usher guests on the day of the tournament. Any parent volunteers will not be placed in a space where their children are battling. You can find more information at: Get Involved – Westchester Battle of the Books (westchesterlibraries.org). 

We’re also open to sponsorship! Sponsors will be acknowledged on the Library Website, press releases, social media related to the event, as well as any other publicity materials. If you would like to make a donation, please make your check out to the Friends of the Dobbs Ferry Public Library and send to the library c/o Gina Elbert. Please join us and support this great event which promotes literacy, encourages teens to look at the library as a resource for entertainment, and inspires good sportsmanship in an atmosphere of friendly competition.

Wait! I have more questions!
Email Gina at childrens@dobbsferrylibrary.org or Alex at teens@dobbsferrylibrary.org. You can also call us at (914) 693-6614.