Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) has been selected one of America’s 3-Star Libraries by “Library Journal.”

The national rating of more than 7,407 public libraries identified 258 “star” libraries from throughout the United States. Libraries within the same per capita expenditure are ranked by the following per capita service outputs: visits, circulation, program attendance and public Internet terminal use.

The “star” libraries were announced in the November 15 issue of “Library Journal.” The LJ Index 2010 gives three, four or five stars to the top-rated libraries. Rankings are based on 2008 data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

“We are proud to have been selected as one of three library systems in the state of Maryland [Carroll and Harford being the other two] to receive a star rating,” said MCPL Director Parker Hamilton. “This designation speaks to our commitment to meeting the needs of customers by providing excellent service, targeted programs and access to needed materials, information, computers and the Internet.”

“Library Journal” is a trade publication for librarians founded in 1876 by Melvil Dewey, inventor of the Dewey deciml system. It reports news about the library world, with an emphasis on public libraies and offers feature articles about aspects of professional practice. It also reviews library-related materials and equipment and according to one source, has the highest circulation – approximately 100,000 -- of any librarianship journal.

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MCPL contact: Michele Sellars, 240-777-0196
Media contact: Bonnie Ayers, 240-777-6507