Henrico County Public Library (HCPL) earned a Star Library designation from Library Journal based on national rankings that consider per-capita circulation, visits, program attendance and public computer access.
HCPL received a Star Library honor for the first time and was among six library systems in Virginia and 263 libraries or library systems in the United States recognized in 2013.
Library Journal, a national publication for library professionals, has compiled its list of Star Libraries annually since 2008. For 2013, Library Journal rated a total of 7,572 public libraries across the country and awarded Star Library status to the top 30 libraries in groups with similar levels of expenditure. Henrico was one of three libraries in Virginia to receive a four-star rating, which is the second highest class.
“We are proud to serve a community that recognizes the value of a strong public library system,” said Gerald M. McKenna, director of Henrico County Public Library. “The Star Library recognition reflects the important role that Henrico libraries play in the lives of our residents.”
In Henrico, library patrons checked out 3.8 million items during more than 2 million visits to HCPL’s 10 locations in fiscal year 2012-13.
Also recognized from Virginia were Arlington Department of Libraries, Arlington; Mary Riley Styles Public Library, Falls Church; Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Fredericksburg; Loudoun County Public Library, Leesburg; and Williamsburg Regional Library, Williamsburg.
For information on the Star Library ratings, go to lj.libraryjournal.com.
