Local News
Four local libraries earn high ratings
ANDOVER — Four local libraries are seeing stars.
Andover and Rock Creek public libraries have been recognized with the highest possible rating — five stars — in the second round of the LJ (Library Journal) Index of Public Library Service, a national rating of public libraries. The index identifies the star libraries in the U.S.
Grand Valley Public Library, in Orwell, and Henderson Memorial Public Library, in Jefferson, received four stars.
“Media attention in recent months has focused on the key role libraries are playing during the current economic crisis,” said Susan Hill, Andover Library director.
America’s Star Libraries’ identifies 258 libraries nationwide that are delivering exceptional service; 17 are in Ohio. The rating is based on circulation, library visits, program attendance and Internet computer use. The ratings are done twice a year in February and November, according to www.libraryjournal.com.
“The really cool thing is that four highly rated libraries are in Ashtabula County,” Hill said. “Andover Public Library staff are proud of the recognition.”
Out of 30 libraries in the expenditure category ($200,000-$399,999) receiving five stars, only three are from Ohio. Andover and Rock Creek are two of only 10 libraries to receive the five-star rating, the Web site shows.
“This rating reflects our library’s increasing role as a center of community activity. The rating is not about us as staff as much as it is about our patrons,” Hill said. “It is really about how much the community uses our services and programs. So it is Andover and the Pymatuning Valley School District that has received the stars.”
Rock Creek Library Director Nancy Shinkle said although their library is small, it prides itself on being friendly.
“We try to keep our patrons happy, and this five-star rating makes us very proud,” she said. “Of all the libraries in the county, we are the smallest in population, but we do our very best.”
Andrew Davis, Grand Valley Public Library director, is so grateful to his staff, board, Friends of the Library and supporters.
“We try to do as much as we can for our patrons, even though we are getting less money from the government,” Davis said. “Our Friends group are a godsend, and I am very lucky to have all of these people here around me.”
- Local News
-
-
'Bula teen drowns after leap from lighthouse
A trip to Lake Erie with friends turned tragic Tuesday night for a 19-year-old Ashtabula man.
-
Body found in Lampson Reservoir
The body of an adult male was found in the Lampson Reservoir on Wednesday evening, the Jefferson Emergency Rescue District reports.
-
Trash bin arsonists may have started house fire
Arsonists who have set nearly two dozen fires inside trash containers in the city of Ashtabula this month may be seeking bigger — and potentially more dangerous — prey, fire officials said.
-
Local charities, auxiliaries, unions on IRS warning list
From the Ashtabula Community Players to the local chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America, scores of Ashtabula County nonprofit organizations are in danger of losing their favored status with the Internal Revenue Service.
-
Entrance to I-90 reopened
The west-bound entrance to Interstate 90 from Route 193 was re-opened Wednesday, but another closing is in the works for next week.
-
Proposed Geneva tax credit to create jobs
Geneva City Council will hold a special public meeting Friday to discuss the Ohio Job Creation Tax Credit Program for the joint economic development district with Harpersfield Township, a program introduced in April by former Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County executive director Joseph Mayernick.
-
PV board to place levy on November ballot
The Pymatuning Valley Local Board of Education recently passed a resolution to place an “emergency renewal levy” before voters in November.
-
Sheriff action against county set for November
Sheriff William Johnson will have his day in court, but he’ll have to wait another 3 1/2 months to get it.
-
Formal charges filed against men in domestic dispute
The father who allegedly took a shot at his daughter’s ex-boyfriend Saturday night after a domestic altercation was released from jail Tuesday, Municipal Court officials said.
Harvey Jones, 49, of Ashtabula, was charged with felonious assault and discharging a firearm within the city limits, court officials said. -
Man charged in Geauga crash
The Chagrin Falls man who slammed his truck into a car at a traffic light has been charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence and aggravated vehicular assault, Ohio State Highway Patrol Sgt. Chad Bass said.
- More Local News Headlines
-
'Bula teen drowns after leap from lighthouse
