The Algonquin Area Public Library Named One of America’s STAR Libraries!

We are ranked 18th in Illinois for per capita visits!

Who are these regular visitors to the Algonquin Library? Earlier this year we asked our patrons to tell us why they come to our library and these were some of their responses.

Michelle Reis said, “I come to the library at least 3 times a week. All staff is friendly and helpful and after 17 years I’m on a first name basis with most of them. They go out of their way to help you find what you need and I am so thankful for all the resources that are available, especially in this economy!” Roxanne Turner said, “Great resources and amazing staff! This library is where I would go to study and volunteer when I was in high school. My memories and continued experiences here are invaluable to me.” Katherine Frank said, “We love our library. We come every week. Our whole family uses this library!” Janet May said, “Our family LOVES our library. We participate in programs for children and adults that have enriched our lives in ways beyond words. Our library has resources available to us which we used on a daily basis. We are extremely grateful to have a great variety of programs and anything our library doesn’t have is often easily obtained by them when requested. We’d be lost without our library.” Natasha Fischer said, “I come to the library at least twice a week. It provides a vital resource for our community. I especially appreciate the inter-library loan program.”  Kimberly and Joshua Neckar said, “Awesome library—awesome people. We are here 2 to 3 times a week. The people know us by name and we would be lost without this library. We love everyone here.”

So what is a STAR Library and why should you care? Libraries are really in the people business.  America’s STAR Libraries are measured within nine comparable peer groups based on total operating expenditures and evaluated by four per capita service indicators; library visits, books circulated, program attendance and public Internet use.  

2011 is the fourth national rating of the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service that identified 262 STAR Libraries. The Institute of Museum and Library Services rated 7,513 public libraries. The top 10 libraries in each group are awarded five, four or three stars relative to the performance of other libraries in their peer group.  Algonquin is a 3 Star Library.

The Algonquin Area Public Library is extremely grateful to all our supporters and for making us a STAR Library!  We serve the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of our residents.  Visit us today at the main location 2600 Harnish Drive or our branch location 115 Eastgate Drive and see what we have for you.