Wilmette Public Library Receives National Recognition as a Five-Star Library

For the fourth consecutive year, Wilmette Public Library has been awarded Five Stars in Library Journal’s annual evaluation of public libraries.

Wilmette Public Library again ranked among the top 10 libraries nationwide with annual budgets of $5M-9.9M. The library holds the highest e-material circulation (11.08 per capita) and Wi-Fi sessions (32.10 per capita) for any library in its index category. The library also excelled in physical circulation (18.00 per capita) and library visits (8.32 per capita). 

“We are delighted to again receive this recognition of our commitment to excellent service,” says Anthony Auston, Library Director. “The Wilmette and Kenilworth community’s continued support and enthusiasm for our library inspires us to continue to reach higher. We are honored to be a valued and trusted local resource and to be nationally recognized for it.”

Wilmette Public Library was among 5,359 libraries that received LJ index scores based on statistical performance for 2020. Of the 258 libraries to achieve star ratings, 42 were from neighboring communities across Illinois. Elmhurst, Oak Park, Elk Grove, Northbrook, Cook Memorial (Libertyville), Ela Area (Lake Zurich), Downers Grove, and Des Plaines public libraries also earned a Five Star rating. According to Library Journal’s findings, Illinois is the leading state for public library service trends. 

2022 marks the 15th edition of the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service. Analyzing data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Public Library Survey (PLS), LJ rates libraries’ by the following statistical categories: physical and e-material circulation, number of visitors, program attendance, public computer usage, Wi-Fi sessions, electronic data retrievals, and library website visits per capita.

For more information about Wilmette Public Library’s Five-Star status read the full article from Library Journal.