A high number of visits to the Library, a large  number of items checked-out, strong attendance at programs and high public computer use are what made the Naperville Public Library a “5 Star” Library.  The stars are issued by the LJ Index of Public Library Services 2011, a national ranking system.  The rankings compare 7,513 public libraries.  Only 85 libraries across the United States earned 5 Stars and there are only 5, “5 Star” public libraries in Illinois.

The index initially sorts libraries into peer groups by expenditures, then stars are earned based on the library service output measures of circulation, visits to the library, program attendance and public computer Internet use.  Naperville’s 5 Star ranking is further enhanced by the fact that it achieved the highest score within its peer group – libraries with annual expenditures of $10,000,000 to $29,999,999, earning a score of 1605.  The next highest score was 1455, earned by a public library in New York State.  Illinois libraries were well represented at the top of the list, with two other Chicagoland libraries also earning 5 Stars, Schaumburg and Arlington Heights.

This year’s rankings are calculated from 2009 data released by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in July 2011.

“This is an incredible achievement not only for the Library, but for the community,” explains John Spears, Executive Director Naperville Public Library.  “Achieving the highest rank demonstrates both the hard work and dedication of our staff and the support, for which we are extremely grateful, that we receive from the residents of Naperville.  We have earned 5 Stars every year that this survey has been done, and it is an honor for all of us at the Library to work in a community that values its library as much as Naperville does.”   

For more information about this ranking, click here.

Awards:

• AGAIN!! Naperville Public Library Again Earns a #1 National Ranking
• Naperville Public Library Librarian Is Honored by Romance Writers
• Naperville Public Library Again Scores as a “5 Star” Library