The Homer Public Library joined five other public libraries in Alaska - Unalaska, Haines, Seward, and Petersburg - in earning the designation as a Star Library by the industry’s leading periodical, Library Journal.
The designation is based on circulation per capita, library visits per capita, program attendance per capita and public Internet terminal usage per capita. Libraries were evaluated and compared based on expenditure categories. Unalaska, Haines, Seward, and Homer were in the group with expenditures ranging from $400,000 to $999,000 per year.
The Homer Public Library has a circulation per capita average of 20.6; visits per capita of 25.1; program attendance per capita .89; and pubic Internet use per capita of 9. Homer has been recognized as a Star Library twice.
In a press release issued November 19th by the State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, State Librarian Linda Thibodeau praised the Alaska Star Libraries, “These high per capita numbers show extraordinary local library usage. It is clear that Alaska residents use and value their local public libraries. The State Library is pleased to congratulate these libraries and thank each library staff member for the work they do in these communities.”
To read more about America’s Star Libraries 2012: http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2012/11/managing-libraries/lj-index/class-of-2012/americas-star-libraries-2012-top-rated-libraries/