Contact: Tess Mayer
Director of Library Services
Berkeley Public Library
510.981.6108
tmayer@cityofberkeley.info
Berkeley Public Library awarded Five Stars by Library Journal for the First Time
Berkeley, California (December 22, 2020) -- For the first time, Berkeley Public Library has received the highest rating awarded to public libraries in the United States by the Library Journal: five stars.
Each year, the Library Journal (LJ) index spotlights the “best of the best” public libraries in the United States. This year LJ reviewed more than 5,600 public libraries. San Francisco Public Library is the only other library system in California to receive a five-star rating in 2020.
In addition to the five stars designation, Berkeley Public Library ranked second amongst its five star cohort in number of book volumes in the collection.
“Berkeley values its Library as a core community asset and this investment is reflected in our extensive and rich collections, robust programming, and beautiful spaces,” notes Tess Mayer, Director of Library Services. “Staff can be proud of all the hard work and dedication that has contributed to this ranking. We are thrilled to be recognized as a five-star system, and we will build upon this tremendous foundation.”
2020 LJ ratings come from fiscal year 2018 data reported in the Institute of Museum and Library Services Public Library Survey. Criteria in the assessment include physical circulation, circulation of electronic materials, successful retrievals of electronic information, library visits, program attendance, public internet computer use, and Wi-Fi sessions.
To learn more about the index, visit libraryjournal.com.
For Library locations, Outdoor Pickup hours, information about Library Collections and the Event Calendar that lists virtual programs, visit the Library’s website: www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.
For questions regarding Library programs, services and collections, please call 510.981.6100 during Central Open Hours: Monday, 12:00-6:00 pm; Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 am-6:00 pm.
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