Santa Clara County Library District Earns Four Star Rating from National Publication

For Immediate Release
December 13, 2016

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. –December 13, 2016,   Once again, the Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) has been rated among the top public libraries in the United States. Awarded a four star rating from the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service, the national rating system is designed to recognize top performing public libraries within the nation. In 2016, 7,349 U.S. public libraries qualified to be rated with only 260 libraries receiving the distinguished Star Library one, two, three, four or five star rating. Thirteen California libraries were awarded the prestigious Star Rating in 2016.

“Receiving a four-star rating such as this reinforces just how invaluable the libraries are to our communities,” stated County of Santa Clara Supervisor Mike Wasserman, Chair of the Santa Clara County Library District Board. “Libraries are more than just a gathering place for exploring, imagining or interacting with other community members. Our libraries offer vital resources, special collections and the newest in technologies that help build our communities and create vital learning centers for all our residents.”

Library Journal is one of the library field’s leading professional publications and developed its national ranking of public libraries from per capita statistics. The ratings are based on five categories, including library visits, circulation, program attendance and public internet computer use and the most recently added category: circulation of electronic materials. Libraries were grouped by annual expenditures and then rated according to these five statistical categories. This year’s rankings relied on 2014 data that libraries reported to the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

“We couldn’t be prouder of this achievement,” commented SCCLD County Librarian, Nancy Howe. “This four-star rating from the Library Journal confirms how much we strive to deliver not only high quality resources, but also ongoing programs and relevant materials to all District residents. We could not have reached this goal without our dedicated staff and volunteers who are committed to providing such outstanding services.” 

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About the Santa Clara County Library District
The Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) promotes knowledge, ideas, and cultural enrichment. Its collection includes more than 1.9 million books, videos, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, eBooks and extensive online resources accessible from home or work.

In 2014, SCCLD celebrated one hundred years of service to local residents. For the last several years, SCCLD has been consistently recognized as one of America’s Star Libraries by Library Journal. In 2014, SCCLD was ranked among the top ten large libraries in the United States in the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service. In 2014 and 2015, SCCLD won Innovator Awards from the Urban Libraries Council.

The Santa Clara County Library District includes two bookmobiles, an online library, seven community libraries and one branch library serving Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Saratoga and the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. In 2014, the Santa Clara County Library District had more than 225,000 library cardholders and welcomed 3.3 million visitors who borrowed 8.9 million items, making it one of the most used resources in the region. Visit Santa Clara County Library District online at www.sccl.org.

Contact:
Nancy Howe/Chris Brown /Lili Smith
Santa Clara County Library District
(408) 293-2326 ext. 3001/3002/3014