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Northbrook Public Library Receives 5 Star Rating for the Fourth Year

A photo of the building with 5 stars

For the fourth year in a row, we've been awarded a 5 Star rating from the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service! Out of more than 9,000 libraries in the country, we are one of only 10 libraries across the nation in our budget category to receive the highest rating, which is based on our return on investment to the community.

We’re proud to be included with the best of the best in Illinois and across the nation, especially since this rating is based on services provided to the community in 2020, at a time when our library, like all public libraries, was affected by COVID restrictions.

Star ratings are awarded based on the five major ways patrons use the library:

●     Visits to the library

●     Items checked out

●     Usage of electronic materials

●     Attendance at library programs

●     Public Internet computer use and Wi-Fi sessions

Each of these performance indicators is calculated using per capita rates to offer a measurement of the library’s service to the community compared with peer libraries that have a similar amount of funding. As a result, receiving a star rating means that the library delivers a strong return on investment to its community.

This is the 15th year in which Library Journal has scored U.S. public libraries on the LJ Index of Public Library Service and awarded Star Library ratings. The 2022 scores and ratings are based on FY20 data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Public Library Survey (PLS).

About the Library Journal

Library Journal is a trade publication for librarians founded in 1876 by Melvil Dewey. It reports news about the library world, emphasizing public libraries, and offers feature articles about aspects of professional practice.