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Somerset County Library System of New Jersey One of Only Three New Jersey Libraries Given Star Rating by the Library Journal Index
About Blog Post
Jan 19, 2021
by Pressroom
The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) is one of three libraries in the state of New Jersey named a four-star Library by Library Journal (LJ) Index of Public Library Service.
“I am a long-time Somerset County Library user and Library lover,” said Nancy Stoll, Somerset County Library commission chair. “I have always known and appreciated the value a Library brings to a community. But, now that I frequently work one-on-one with the staff at SCLSNJ, I truly understand the care, thought, expertise, and devotion our staff put into enhancing the myriad services our System provides throughout Somerset County.”
Continued Stoll, “Free one-on-one training and reference interviews; virtual book discussion salons; over 100 research databases; a large, comprehensive and always growing literary collection; educational virtual programs; and so much more. With our suite of services, I am not surprised that we are a Star Library, but I am so pleased to have earned that extra star this year!”
Out of the 250-plus libraries in the state only three, including SCLSNJ, received star ratings. The other two New Jersey Star Libraries are the Princeton Public Library and Margate City Public Library.
“For many years running, SCLSNJ has once again been named a Library Journal Star
Library, this time, one of only 262 in the entire U.S.,” said Brian Auger, county library administrator. “I'm confident I speak on behalf of the entire staff in saying that we are all delighted to be recognized for the value the Library adds to the communities we serve.”
During the pandemic the Library System continued to provide exceptional service to Library customers by expanding virtual services; growing the selection of digital materials available for checkout; and offering virtual programming.
"SCLSNJ accepts the Library Journal Star Library designation with appreciation,” said Christopher Korenowsky, director of public services. “Our Library takes great pride in receiving this acknowledgment of a job well done for our public. The roles of public libraries continue to change in various ways due to the current public health situation, and I have no doubt SCLSNJ will continue to not only meet those challenges, but excel within them as well."
"I am proud to work at a Star Library with so many dedicated colleagues, all focused on providing the best possible library service we can for our community,” said Lynn Hoffman, director of operations. “It's gratifying to receive this recognition."
The Library Journal Index is a measurement tool that compares United States public libraries with their spending peers based on five per capita output measures: circulation, library visits, program attendance, circulation of electronic materials, and public Internet computer use.
For more information about SCLSNJ’s resources and programs, visit SCLSNJ.org. For more information about America’s Star Libraries, visit LibraryJournal.com.