Wright Library earns Star Library designation from Library Journal
 
OAKWOOD, Ohio — Wright Memorial Public Library has been named a 2017 Star Library in the annual ranking of the nation’s public libraries.
 
The prestigious three-star designation comes from Library Journal’s “America’s Star Libraries:  LJ Index of Public Library Service” report. Library Journal is the leading professional publication in library science.
 
The rating is a testament to Wright Library’s high usage compared to its peer libraries across the United States, said Library Director Kristi Hale.
Of the 1,436 libraries evaluated in its expenditure category ($1M – 4.9M), Wright Library ranked 25th, or in the top 1.7 percent.
 
“Wright Library earned this honor by providing a rich mix of materials in all formats, a comfortable and welcoming facility, enriching programs, and today’s technology,” Hale said. “We could not have earned this honor without the Oakwood community, which values and uses these resources.”
 

The 2017 Library Journal Star ratings are based on 2015 public library statistics. Only 259 U.S. libraries out of 7,409 indexed earned the Star Library distinction.
The index measures per capital circulation, visits, program attendance, and public Internet use. Wright Library ranked

• 8th in circulation;​
• 20th in eCirculation;​
• 37th in visits;​
• 53rd in program attendance;​
• 176th in public Internet use. 

Ohio ranks 2^nd in the nation for the most Star libraries – second only to New York. The only other area library to receive a Star-rating is Washington-Centerville Public Library, which earned five stars.
 
“Oakwood is a community that embraces lifelong learning and opportunities for personal, educational, and professional growth,” Hale said. “I congratulate Wright Library and its users for this achievement. We earned this honor together.”
 
The full report is available at libraryjournal.com. Americas Star Libraries 2017.
 
 
 
About Wright Memorial Public Library
Wright Memorial Public Library is a community focal point that helps fulfill patron needs for information and entertainment materials; meets the learning needs of patrons on topics related to work, school, and personal life; and encourages learning and intellectual growth from the earliest ages. The Library provides high levels of efficient, friendly, personal service and fosters an atmosphere of intellectual liberty in the American tradition of free ideas. Wright Memorial Public Library is located at 1776 Far Hills Avenue in the city of Oakwood. The Library’s hours of operation are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. The Library offers a number of services to the community, including story hours for children; special events for teens, families, children, and adults; book discussion groups; meeting rooms for public use; and a website with online learning resources and downloadable digital books, magazines, music and videos.