A national ranking of public libraries has named the Williamsburg Regional Library a one of the best public libraries in the nation.
The national publication Library Journal has rated Williamsburg Regional Library as one of the best public libraries in the U.S., naming WRL as one of only two libraries in Virginia to receive star ratings.
The Library Journal star ratings are earned by only 4 percent of the 6,333 public libraries measured nationwide. Click here for details of the star rating system.
The magazine assigns libraries star ratings similar to those used by Michelin and other travel guides, according to a news release from the Williamsburg Regional Library.
The ratings reflect per capita measures of circulation of library materials, visits to the library, library program attendance, and library computer and WiFi use.
“The library is thrilled to receive this national recognition,” said Betsy Fowler, Williamsburg Regional Library director. “The star rating is an honor shared by the entire community, library board, local government, library staff, and our wonderful Friends of the Library. WRL is a vibrant center of community life because it serves an amazing community of library supporters.”
The Library Journal Index scores and star ratings are based on data reported annually by public libraries to their state library agencies and compiled nationally by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. These numbers reflect direct, quantifiable measures of library services, according to the news release.
“The Board of Trustees is pleased that the library has been awarded a star rating by Library Journal,” said WRL board of trustees Chairwoman Natalie Miller-Moore. “We are proud of what the library staff have done to make WRL one of the top public libraries in the country, because of our drive to provide excellent service, programs, and materials. I love to see national recognition for our library.”
