CCPL named one of America’s Star Libraries

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Charleston County Public Library was named one of America’s best public libraries by Library Journal, the oldest and most respected publication in the field. Through a rating system that measures the services of more than 7,300 libraries across the country, CCPL is one of only 260 libraries recognized in this year’s America’s Star Libraries report, and the only library in South Carolina to do so.
 
The study, compiled by the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service, clusters libraries with similar operating budgets together, then rates the libraries in five main categories: number of visitors, circulation, program attendance, public Internet use, and electronic circulation.
 
In order to qualify for consideration, libraries must be a public entity, have a service area with a population of at least 1,000 residents, and have a total operating expenditure of at least $10,000. CCPL received a three-star designation within the $10 million to $29.9 million expenditure category.
CCPL’s star status is a direct reflection of the community’s engagement both at physical library branches across the county and through use of the library’s remote services, thanks to the added consideration of the circulation of digital materials in this year’s study.
 
“This national recognition is further proof of the ongoing support we receive from the Charleston community, particularly as the voter-approved Building and Renovation program progresses,” said Nicolle Davies, Executive Director. I’m thankful for our staff’s commitment to customer service and the support exhibited by our Board of Trustees, and I look forward to continued growth and communication within the county.”