Western Plains Library System, serving an area of 46,000 residents, has a collection of 240,000 books and periodicals; in addition, there are 7,200 CDs, records, cassettes and other audio materials, as well as 4,400 video items, such as DVDs and VHS tapes. Internet terminals are available for use by the general public.

Staffing consists of 19 employees, of whom 3 are fully accredited librarians, plus volunteers. The system comprises one central library and 7 branch libraries, plus one bookmobile. Annual expenditures on the library collection total $198,000. Patrons make 120,000 visits annually, and check out materials 230,000 times. Thirty-four percent of all check-outs are children's materials.