By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com
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.”
