Elmhurst Library Receives Five-Star Status From Library Journal

ELMHURST, IL — Elmhurst Public Library has received a five-star rating in a national ranking of Library Journal’s annual review of public libraries. This year, the library earned five out of five stars, one of only six libraries to earn that distinction in Illinois. The library said a total of 7,409 public libraries were rated nationwide and only 259 qualified as star libraries.

Previously, Elmhurst Public Library was awarded three- and four-star rankings for seven consecutive years. This is the first year for the library to receive the five-star rating.

“Receiving this award is especially satisfying because it took the combined efforts of the Elmhurst community, Library Board, and EPL staff to make this possible," Library Director Mary Beth Harper said in a release. "Our smart, flexible, and efficient staff, coupled with the support of our community is what makes the library fantastic.”

According to the library, Library Journal reviews public library data reported to the government—visits, checkouts, program attendance, digital materials, and public computer use per capita—and ranks the best performing libraries within budget categories. Elmhurst Public Library placed in the top ten nationwide and 1st in Illinois in the $5-9.9M category, with notably high visits and checkouts per capita.

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