For the fifth year in a row, the Santa Monica Public Library has earned top marks from Library Journal’s national rating of public libraries – the only Southern California library to earn the prestigious five-star rating.
The Library Journal (LJ) Index of Public Library Service 2014 ratings, announced Nov. 3, are based on 2012 data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The LJ Index ranked 7,586 public libraries on the level of service they provide by evaluating per capita circulation, visits, program attendance and public Internet computer use. A total of 258 public libraries earned three, four, or the highest, five-star rating.
The LJ Index offers an overall indication of how a library’s performance stacks up to peer libraries and provides guidance on how public libraries can better inform their stakeholders of achievements, service opportunities, and improve library awareness and funding.
Maria Carpenter, Director of Library Services stated, “Santa Monica Public Library had another great year with 1.25 million visitors, record-breaking figures for youth summer reading that included over 4,000 participants, and 11,000 open hours for our beloved community to gather, share, learn, and relax. We thank the Santa Monica community for its extraordinary support.”
The Library offers a variety of services and engaging programs for all ages and interests at five neighborhood library locations.
For more information, visit a Santa Monica Public Library branch or the Library’s web site www.smpl.org.
