Oak Park Public Library Wins 4-Star Honors in Library Journal Index

It’s official: Oak Park Public Library is a 4-star library. We knew it, but now Library Journal has confirmed it in their national rating of public libraries. In addition to the 4-star rating, the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service ranked Oak Park Public Library second in the state within its budget category. This distinction is measured by circulation of collection materials, number of visits, program attendance, and Internet use.

“We are absolutely delighted that our community was honored in this way!” exclaimed Executive Director Deirdre Brennan. “Our 4-star distinction is a reflection of Oak Park Public Library’s outstanding service to the Oak Park community.” Brennan expressed her congratulations and thanks to the entire staff, “It’s definitely a team effort and you should all be very proud. This is a BIG DEAL.”

Oak Park Public Library continues to be a busy place, serving many people in many ways – as a community gathering place, as a technology access point, as a resource for lifelong learning and enjoyment. The number of visits to Oak Park Public Library continues to increase, along with number of items borrowed, program attendance, and computer usage.

Increased public library use is one trend demonstrated in the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service. "The explosion of library use, particularly demonstrated in stats for circulation and visits, reinforces the belief that libraries are more important than ever....These statistics also confirm the powerful deliverables of public libraries: as resources for education, entertainment, and information," stated Francine Fialkoff, in a Library Journal Editorial.

Oak Park Public Library intends to be the best library for the Oak Park community. As part of the new strategic planning adventure, Oak Park Public Library is engaging the community with the question, “how can we be the best possible library for Oak Park?” Oak Parkers are encouraged to help spark the library’s future at oppl.org/spark/