CLEVELAND, Ohio -- For the 11th year in a row, Cuyahoga County Public Library earned five stars -- and the highest overall score among its peers in Library Journals annual rankings.

Cleveland Public Library ranked fifth in the same category, also with five stars for its 27 branches. Libraries that work with Cleveland in the Clevnet system -- including Heights, Lakewood, Rocky River, and Porter Westlake libraries -- also earned top star rankings.

Akron-Summit County Public Library was awarded three stars.

We are honored to receive the Library Journals coveted five-star rating. Achieving this recognition would not be possible without the dedication of our Library staff and the support of our beloved community, says Felton Thomas Jr., Executive Director & CEO of Cleveland Public Library.The five-Star rating shows the importance of Cleveland Public Library to the city of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. Our world-class collection, thought-provoking programming, and family-friendly atmosphere are what brings visitors from around the world to the Library.

Published annually, the Library Journals Index compares U.S. libraries among their peers. Ohio has 31 star libraries, second only to New York, with 34.

The ratings work on a scale of five, four, and three stars, based on per capita usage data. At least 5,608 U.S. public libraries were scored based on total operating expenditures.

Among its peers, Cuyahoga County Public Library, with 27 branches, earned the Indexs highest overall rating, scoring 2,006 total points,180 points more than the closest library system.

Ultimately the reason that Cuyahoga County Public Library has been able to top the LJ Index year after year is because we are deeply committed to exceptional library service, said CCPL Executive Director Tracy Strobel in a news release. Our collection is outstanding, our staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to help; and our programs whether they are in-person or virtual are impactful, interesting, and fun. We strive to be exceptional, and that is what keeps our customers coming back again and again.

Voters in the 47 communities the library serve overwhelmingly approved Cuyahoga County Public Librarys 1-mill tax increase in November.

The Library Journal is one of the oldest, most respected publications covering library service.

The rating system, initially introduced in 2008, derives from data released by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. It strives to recognize and promote Americas public libraries through a pool of nationally collected statistics and encourages self-evaluation among the libraries.

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library system has also received the five-star award designation. Heights Libraries earned the award at least 10 out of the 13 years that Library Journal has published the rating.

Heights Libraries Director Nancy Levin says the surrounding communities have been using the library more and more in recent years. The four branches earned their highest circulation numbers ever in 2019, with just a little over 2 million items loaned out or downloaded.

Even now, with shutdowns due to COVID-19, our community members are still borrowing items, attending virtual programs, taking advantage of free WiFi outside our buildings, and getting help on the phone and online with things like reference questions, tech questions, and even limited printing services, Levin said. People need us now more than ever, and we are finding new ways to help them safely with services like virtual resume help, online storytimes, and free online tutoring services.

Rocky River and Lakewood library systems received a four-star designation this year, the highest possible for their circulation size.

We are proud to serve our community and to be acknowledged as such, said Rocky River Public. Library Director Jaime Mason. Our wonderful staff at Rocky River Public Library deserve all the credit for this.

Lakewood Public Library Board President Michael Artbauer says Lakewood has been recognized as a star library every year Library Journal has been ranking public libraries.

I am very pleased to report that the Lakewood Public Library received a four-star designation from Library Journal, ranking the Library among the best public libraries in the nation, says Artbauer. To each of you, I express my sincere thanks for what you do every day, day after day, to serve the Lakewood community. Please know that you are appreciated. You are the stars that make the Library the success that it is.

Excerpt from:
Cuyahoga County Public Library tops Americas Libraries list, as other Northeast Ohio libraries awarded stars - cleveland.com