Hastings Memorial Library recognized nationally

Hastings Memorial Library in Grant is one of 259 libraries nationwide that has recently been named a 2017 Library Journal Star Library.  

Library Journal, a library trade publication, ranks libraries using their LJ Index of Public Library Service. The rankings are based on statistics submitted annually by libraries that record annual library visits, circulation, e-book circulation, program attendance and public Internet computer use.  

This year, 7,409 U.S. public libraries qualified to be rated in the index, and 259 were named Star Libraries, each receiving three-Star, four-Star, or five-Star designations. 

Hastings Memorial received four-Stars. They join 10 other libraries in Nebraska in receiving the star recognition, and the state of Nebraska ranked in the top 10 states with Star Library designations.  

“This is an incredible honor for our library and our community,” said Robin Quinn, library director of Hastings Memorial Library. “Libraries are not money-making entities, so we can’t determine our successes off of balance sheets and profits or losses. We determine that through our usage and statistics: how many people are using our library, attending programs, and checking out materials.  

“To receive recognition of our accomplishments on a national level is just phenomenal. We are so proud to be able to serve our community each day and this ranking shows that the community of Grant and surrounding Perkins County value and use their library.  

“The library board, staff members and volunteers could not be more pleased with this recognition and want to thank the community for making us an important and thriving local resource.”

The LJ Index is a national rating system designed to recognize and promote America’s public libraries, to help improve the pool of national library statistics and to give libraries an overall indication of how they stack up to their peers nationally.