LEESBURG — Loudoun County Public Library (LCPL) has once again been recognized as one of America’s best libraries, earning a four-star ranking by Library Journal, the industry’s leading publication.
Of the 5,608 public libraries that qualified for the national survey, only 172 – 3% – received a four- or five-star ranking, and just three were in Virginia. The other two were Henrico County Public Library and Mary Riley Styles Public Library.
“I would like to thank our staff for their commitment and creativity as well as the Library Board of Trustees for its steadfast leadership,” LCPL Director Chang Liu said. “But most of all, I want to thank our customers for their remarkable support. It is our honor to serve them.”
The 2021 American Star Library designation is strictly based on usage data. Library Journal compares U.S. libraries with their peers based on seven per capita measures: circulation of physical materials (i.e. books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, etc.); number of visitors; program attendance; public internet computer use; electronic circulation, which measures the circulation of eBooks, streaming video, and downloadable audio; WiFi sessions; and use of electronic resources, such as databases and online courses.
“Loudoun residents are well aware that libraries offer so much more than books,” Liu added. “And we will continue to be a haven for inspiration, information, innovation and inclusion.”
LCPL’s latest honor comes on the heels of being named an honorable mention for the 2021 Library of Year award, presented by Library Journal.