In its 2020 rankings, Library Journal has named Eugene Public Library a “Star Library” with a top “Five Star” designation. The Five Star rating places Eugene Public Library in the top one percent of public libraries nationwide for excellence in cost-effective delivery of key services.
According to Eugene Public Library’s Director Will O’Hearn, “All of us at the library work hard to provide the people of Eugene with excellent value for each dollar we’re entrusted with. This rating confirms that we’re returning a very high level of service on our community's investment. Compared objectively nationwide, Eugene Public Library stands out as a top performer.”
The Library Journal study, “Index of Public Library Service 2020,” examined 5608 qualifying public libraries, evaluating service delivery per capita among libraries with comparable budgets. Only 85 libraries in the U.S received a Five-Star designation, including Eugene Public Library.
The 2020 rankings are based on fiscal year 2018 data reported by libraries to the national Institute of Museum and Library Services. The libraries were rated on five factors per capita: number of visits, circulation (number of physical items borrowed), electronic circulation (number of online items used or borrowed), program attendance, and public Internet computer use.
In fiscal year 2018, Eugene Public Library served approximately 3300 visitors per day. The library processed more than 2.4 million check-outs of physical items and nearly 900,000 online items. The library’s three locations provided more than 2,000 free programs ranging from storytimes to classes to entertainment with more than 67,000 community members of all ages participating. The library’s Internet computers provided more than 190,000 user sessions.
Eugene Public Library has earned a spot in the annual Star Library rankings four previous times. This is its first Five-Star designation.
For more information about the Star Library rankings, visit LibraryJournal.com. For more information about Eugene Public Library, visit www.eugene-or.gov/library or call 541-682-5450.