Elmhurst Public Library receives five-star status from Library Journal

For the fourth year in a row, Elmhurst Public Library received a five-star rating in a national ranking of Library Journal's annual review of public libraries. It earned five out of five stars, one of only seven libraries to earn that distinction in Illinois.

A total of 5,608 U.S. public libraries were rated nationwide and only 262 qualified as star libraries.

In Illinois, 16 libraries received star ratings, but only seven earned the distinction of receiving a five-star rating: Naperville, Schaumburg, Northbrook, Wilmette, Oak Park, Ela, and Elmhurst.

"This recognition ends 2020 on a positive note," says Mary Beth Harper, director. "The Elmhurst community's continued use and enthusiasm for the library, especially in this past year, is what enables us to be a leader in our field. We strive to provide the resources people need and want, and we are incredibly fortunate our community supports us as we try new things. We are delighted to be nationally recognized as a five-star library for the fourth year in a row."

Library Journal reviews public library data reported to the government - visits, checkouts, program attendance, e-material circulation, public computer use and Wi-Fi sessions per capita - and ranks the best performing libraries within budget categories.

Elmhurst Public Library placed in the top 10 nationwide in the $5 to $9.9 million category, with notably high visits and checkouts per capita.

For more information about Elmhurst Public Library's five-star status, visit elmlib.org/stars.