Algonquin Area Public Library Receives 4-Stars!

The Algonquin Area Public Library District has received Star recognition by the Library Journal earning 4-Star Ranking in 2012 from their Index of Public Library Service (LJI).  The 2012 LJI is a measurement tool that compares U.S. public libraries on the quantities of service they deliver.

The Algonquin Area Public Library District received 3-Star Ranking in 2011.  Rather than resting on these laurels, the Library used it to focus on providing the community with effective services and extending its access to resources.

Concurrently, over the past year, the Algonquin Area Public Library continued to grow their book collection to fit the needs of the patrons and expand their electronic resource collection with popular resources like Zinio and Brainfuse.

Zinio allows patrons to subscribe to dozens of full color magazines on their computer, mobile phone or tablet.  Brainfuse is an electronic resource that may be used by cardholders from kindergarten to adult learners and is available from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm.  It provides one-on-one real time expert help with homework, skills building, language labs and writing assistance. 

In September, the Algonquin Area Public Library District extended its hours at both its Harnish Main Library and Eastgate Branch locations to provide service seven days a week to community.  Simultaneously, the Library’s website, www.aapld.org, provides 24/7 service to community with features like  the electronic resource collection, event calendar and My Account access.  On November 5, the Library launched a new printing system to keep parallel to technology trends, and to provide top color printing, along, with providing traditional black and white printing for the community. 

In 2013, the Algonquin Area Public Library will be launching its early literacy program, 1,001 Books Before Kindergarten.   This program will be a commitment to read 1,001 books to children before they enter kindergarten and watch the magic of reading take hold in their lives.  Look for more information about this early literacy program in January.