For immediate release

Lake Forest Library
360 E Deerpath Rd
Lake Forest IL 60045
847.234.0636
www.lakeforestlibrary.org

Contact

Joy Schmoll
Head of Communications
847.810.4622
jschmoll@lakeforestlibrary.org

December 12, 2022 – LAKE FOREST Ill – Lake Forest Library earned a 4-Star Library designation in the 15th edition of the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service 2022. The LJ Index spotlights the best of the best across America by rating U.S. public libraries on selected per capita output measures such as circulation, library visits, resource use, and program attendance.

The 2022 LJ Index derives from data recently released by the Institute of Museum and Library Services for FY2020, making the achievement even more significant as statistics were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions that libraries had to navigate in order to continue serving the public. Out of more than 9,000 public libraries across the country, 5,359 libraries qualified to be rated in the LJ Index this year, and only 258 libraries received Star Library rankings.

Lake Forest Library has a long history of earning the Star Library designation, achieving the ranking in nine of the last eleven years.

"Adapting during the early months of the pandemic was challenging, but we are happy that the service innovations that came out of that difficult time—including live chat support, reading recommendation to-go packages, and self-check machines for contactless checkouts—continue to benefit the Lake Forest community," Executive Director Catherine A. Lemmer said. "We are honored to once again be designated a Star Library, and attribute the award to our engaged community, dedicated staff, and supportive library board."

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