Heights Libraries Get 5 Stars In Annual Rankings

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — The Heights Library system has again received a five-star rating from the Library Journal's Index of Public Library Service.

Five-star ratings are awarded only to the nation's best libraries. The Library Journal has been awarding stars to libraries for 13, and the Heights Libraries have earned five stars 10 times.

Libraries are categorized by yearly expenditure and then rated on circulation of materials, visits to branches, program attendance, public computer use, WiFi session and eMedia circulation. The Heights Libraries received a 30.33 per capita in its service area (approximately 58,000 residents).

The newly released Star Library report is based on 2018 statistics and does not reflect the impact of COVID-19.

"Over the past few years, our community has been using the library more and more. In fact, we reached our highest circulation numbers ever in 2019, with just a little over 2 million items loaned out or downloaded,” said Heights Libraries Director Nancy Levin. “Even now, with shutdowns due to COVID-19, our community members are still borrowing items, attending virtual programs, taking advantage of free WiFi outside our buildings, and getting help on the phone and online with things like reference questions, tech questions, and even limited printing services.”

Ohio as a whole did well in the library rankings, claiming 31 five-star systems. Only New York had more five-star system (34).