Fountaindale Recognized Nationally as Star Library

When compared to similar libraries, the stands above many, according to a new index put out by the Library Journal.

Fountaindale ranked 21st overall out of 211 public libraries across the country in its category bracket in the annual Index of Library Service.

The library was also one of 30 libraries across the country in its bracket to receive a star rating based on its overall score and one of 18 libraries in Illinois across all brackets to receive any kind of star rating, the release said.

“This is truly an honor to receive recognition of the outstanding service our staff provides to our community day in and day out,” said Peggy Danhof, president of the Fountaindale board of trustees. “We always knew we had a special place here, and it is wonderful to see that recognized.”

The rankings index more than 7,500 public libraries across the country. Each library was placed into one of nine brackets based on budget expenditures—Fountaindale was grouped in the $5 million to $9.9 million bracket. Brackets go as high as $30 million-plus and as low as $10,000.

The highest rating a library could get is five stars. Fountaindale scored the highest of any three-star library in its bracket.

The library, which , also placed fifth out of 211 public libraries in program attendance per capita.

“Programming has always been one of our strongest points,” said . “Our community appreciates the quality of the programs and public services that we offer and that reflects in the attendance we have for programs and usage of the library.”

According to its website, Library Journal is the oldest and most respected publication covering the library field and is read by more than 100,000 library directors, administrators, and staff in public, academic and special libraries.