Lake Bluff Public Library received recognition as one of the nation’s Star Libraries in the 2022 Library Journal Index of Public Library Service, as announced by Library Journal earlier this December.

The Library Journal Index of Public Library Service ranks libraries on a variety of metrics, including circulation, program attendance, Wi-Fi usage, and library visits. Of the more than 5,300 libraries eligible for this award in 2022, only 258 received a star ranking. The Lake Bluff Public Library received four stars, ranking it as one of the top 20 libraries nationwide in its budget category. This is the first time that the Library has earned this recognition in the fifteen years of the award.

The 2022 list of Star Libraries is calculated based on library statistics from 2020, a year significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and adjustments made to support new and changing needs of library communities. In 2020, Lake Bluff Public Library staff transformed services to ensure its patrons retained access to library materials and services. “Lake Bluff Public Library staff displayed a remarkable ability to pivot and adapt during this time,” said Library Board President Kathy Meierhoff. “Suddenly, new library services became available, all of which were implemented with a heightened attention to safety and responsiveness. I could order a book and pick it up the next day. It was seamless. Nobody wrote a book on how to do that!”

New and reimagined library services included contactless curbside pickup, virtual programs, and virtual reader’s advisory, among others. While staff worked hard to ensure safe and effective service was not disrupted, the library experienced exceptional participation by the Lake Bluff community, ranking it as one of the most engaged in the nation.

“Being named a Star Library is an esteemed and coveted honor,” said Library Director Renee Grassi. “It reflects a hard-working team committed to the highest quality of service. It also speaks to how treasured a library is in its community. I’d like to express my gratitude to the Lake Bluff community for their participation and support in 2020 and beyond. It’s clear Lake Bluff is something special.”

A total of 43 Illinois libraries earned star rankings, including neighboring libraries such as Lake Forest, Deerfield, Cook Memorial, Vernon Area, and Glencoe.