Lincolnshire library earns four-star rating

Vernon Area Public Library has been recognized as one of the nation's "Star Libraries" for 2020, as announced in the most recent edition of Library Journal. The magazine's 13th annual Index of Public Library Service evaluates the per capita measurements of 5,608 libraries nationwide and awards star status to 262. This top 5% represents the public libraries with the highest level of community engagement around the country.

The 2020 index was based on the most recently reported data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services for fiscal year 2018, which ended in June 2019. The index rates libraries by volume of public use as measured by per capita circulation of both physical and electronic materials, library visits, program attendance, public internet access and Wi-Fi sessions.

An aggregate score identifies the top performers - "Star Libraries" - which are awarded three, four, or five stars, similar to the Michelin Guide's restaurant ratings.

Vernon Area Public Library District received a four-star rating. This was the sixth consecutive recognition for the Lincolnshire-based library. Fifteen other Illinois libraries earned star status, including nearby Northbrook, Ela in Lake Zurich and Lake Forest public libraries.

"We are honored to receive this national recognition. We're fortunate to serve a community that supports their public library, and to have a Board of Library Trustees that is committed to providing the best services to the community," Library Director Cynthia Fuerst said.

"It's wonderful for our staff's dedication and hard work to be recognized like this."

The Index of Public Library Service is used by the library industry to identify best practices and trends in library use. The full list of 262 ranked libraries, detailed explanation of the index measurements and information about trends are available online at www.libraryjournal.com.

The Vernon Area Public Library was founded in 1974 and today serves a population of 42,222 within a 29-square-mile area that includes Lincolnshire, Prairie View, Long Grove and parts of Buffalo Grove, Riverwoods, Vernon Hills and unincorporated Vernon and Ela townships in North suburban Chicago.

The library is at 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. For more information about the library and its services, visit www.vapld.info.

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