Six Ohio public libraries have been ranked number one in their population categories, in the 2008 Hennen American Public Library’s Ratings (HAPLR) report. The 2008 number one libraries include: Columbus Metropolitan Library, Washington-Centerville Public Library, North Canton Public Library, Twinsburg Public Library, Columbiana Public Library, and Grand Valley Public Library.
"Ohioans are not only enriched by the information and resources found in their local libraries, but also by their ability to bring people of all ages together,” said Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. “I congratulate the libraries recognized in this year’s rankings and celebrate their role in making their communities a great place to live and work."
Thirteen public libraries in Ohio were recognized in the top five within their categories in the 2008 report including: Crestline Public Library, Centerburg Public Library, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Euclid Public Library, Madison Public Library, Medina County District Library, North Canton Public Library; Orrville Public Library, Porter Public Library, Twinsburg Public Library, Upper Arlington Public Library, Wadsworth Public Library, Wagnalls Public Library, Washington-Centerville Public Library, Worthington Public Library, and Wright Memorial Public Library.
According to Thomas J. Hennen Jr., his report identifies “the public libraries in America with the highest input and output measures. Statistics alone cannot define library excellence, of course, but I believe that the ratings numbers are still important.” Each library is rated within population categories ranging from 1,000 to 500,000 or more residents. Strong support for libraries in Ohio is a key factor in their success. Hennen factors state and local funding as well as spending and usage, and rates libraries higher for spending larger percentages of their budgets on library materials.
Ohio has a strong history of libraries achieving this recognition. The HARPLR reports began in 1999 and Ohio libraries have ranked in the top 10 for all reports. In overall scores the report has recognized the state of Ohio with a number one ranking in the country in every report. HARPLR is not an annual report and was not published in 2007. Libraries that have ranked in the top five in each the past five reports within their categories include: Columbus Metropolitan Library (number one in 2005 & 2008); Cuyahoga County Public Library (number one in 2004 & 2006); Medina County District Library, North Canton Public Library (number one in 2006 & 2008); Twinsburg Public Library (number one in 2003, 2004, 2006 & 2007); and Washington-Centerville Public Library (number one in 2004 & 2005).
Twelve libraries were honored within the top 10 rankings including: Bristol Public Library, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Columbiana Public Library, Geauga County Public Library, Grandview Heights Public Library, Kinsman Free Public Library, Lakewood Public Library, Perry Public Library, Rocky River Public Library, Stark County Public Library, Way Public Library, and Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library.
“We are fortunate in Ohio to have the support for libraries by local communities, and state and federal government,” said State Librarian Jo Budler. “It’s an honor for libraries in our state to be recognized as the best. With ongoing support Ohio’s public libraries will continue to provide this level of access to vital information and materials, online resources, and programs and services to all residents.”
November 14, 2008
Stephen D. Wood to serve on the State Library of Ohio Board
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Starting January 2008 Stephen E. Wood will become the newest member of the State Library of Ohio Board. He will replace out going board member Lucille Hastings. Stephen recently retired after 30 years from the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library where he served as its Director for past 20 years. He has been an active member in the library community including leadership roles within the Ohio Library Council, CLEVNET, OPLIN,and CAMLS. In addition, Stephen has been a mentor to four classes of Library Leadership Ohio and an adjunct professor at the Kent State University School of Library and Information Science. He is also a member of its Alumni and Friends Council. "These are challenging times for all libraries, school, public and academic," said Wood. "My entire career has been committed to innovation and customer service. I believe I can be most beneficial to the State Library, its Board and the constituencies they serve." |
November 5, 2008
Ohioans Support Their Public Libraries on Election Day
Preliminary results show positive results for Ohio Libraries with Bond and Levy issues with 11 out of 13 passing in the state. “We are fortunate in Ohio to have residents that value and support the services libraries provide to their communities,” said State Librarian Jo Budler. “Ohio libraries serve a vital role in their communities and provide exemplary resources, programs and services for all.”
The following libraries passed their Levy and Bond issues according to the preliminary results:
| Cuyahoga County Public Library |
| Clermont County Public Library |
| Fairfield County District Library |
| Kingsville Public Library |
| Marysville Public Library |
| St. Paris Public Library |
| Stark County District Library |
| Swanton Public Library |
| Tuscarawas County Public Library |
| Wayne County Public Library |
| Willouhby-Eastlake Public Library |
For more information download the Ohio Libraries Levy and Bond Issues November 2008 Results prepared by Bill Morris, Executive Assistant to the State Librarian, State Library of Ohio.