The Champaign Public Library has been awarded four stars in Library Journal’s latest annual list of America’s “star libraries.” That puts Champaign in an elite group of just 111 public libraries nationwide that have earned star status every year since the ratings program was launched by the industry-leading magazine five years ago.
The 2012 LJ Index of Public Library Service used data from 7,570 public libraries to identify those that lead the nation in efficiency and service. Scores were based on 2010 per-capita number of items checked out, library visits, program attendance and public Internet use. The top-scoring libraries in each of nine budget categories were awarded a 3- to 5-star rating. Only 262 libraries across the U.S. were given star ratings.
Among Illinois libraries, the data showed that the Champaign Public Library is among the most heavily used. Champaign’s figure of 35.1 items checked out per capita was the highest of any public library in the state serving a population of 40,000 or more. Its total circulation of 2,640,627 was the third highest among all public libraries in Illinois, regardless of budget.