The Camden Public Library has earned Star status for the fourth year in a row as awarded by the Library Journal. The star rating is awarded on the basis of four measures of service, and compares the use of the library to other libraries of similar size across the country. The service areas used in evaluating the library are the number of individual visits, circulation, attendance at events, and internet use, all evaluated on an annual, per capita, basis. “We are very pleased to be rated a Star Library, not just once, but for four years in a row,” said library director Nikki Maounis.
“We are very proud of our library and staff and the support shown by the community. We work very hard to be ‘in sync’ with our public, and to be aware of what they want and need from their library. We believe that reading is essential, and we are so pleased that the greater Camden community values what we do,” added Maounis
There are only five libraries in Maine that earned a star rating by the Library Journal. In addition to the Camden Public Library, the Maine libraries include the Southwest Harbor Public Library, the Rockland Public Library, the Guilford Memorial Library, and the Skidompha Public Library in Damariscotta. Nationally, only 262 public libraries achieved “Star” status this year.
In general, circulation statistics in public libraries are dramatically higher since the beginning of the recession. For an interesting article on the effect of the recession on library use, visit the Library Journal’s posting here:
http://features.libraryjournal.com/star-libraries/class-of-2011/the-recessions-effects/
