|
|
 |
|
November 1, 2005
| Press contact: |
Christie
Lassen at 410.313.7786 |
Howard County Library Ranked First in the Nation Among Libraries
(Columbia, MD) - Howard County Library ranks first in the nation among
great public libraries according to Hennen's American Public Library
Ratings (HAPLR) 2005. Howard County Library Board of Trustees President
Charles H. McLaughlin and Library Director Valerie J. Gross credit
the Library's staff, volunteers, and supporters for this ranking.
In addition, they cite the A+ Partners in Education initiative between
the Library and Howard County Public School System. As a result of
interactions between students, parents, faculty, and Library staff,
the community better understands the importance of the Library thus
increasing the number of visits, items checked out, and program attendance.
“This prestigious ranking is no surprise,” notes Howard
County Executive James N. Robey. “Howard County Library offers
an overall award-winning educational program, which incorporates innovative
services and cutting edge technology. It's no wonder that 95
percent of Howard County residents have – and use – library
cards!”
In response to customer requests and increased county funding, Howard
County Library began offering year-round summer hours at its Central
Library last summer. Customers visited the Library 2.1 million times
in fiscal year 2005, a 127 percent increase since 2001, and attendance
at Library programs more than doubled over the same period. Customers
borrowed nearly five million items last year as well – a 55
percent increase since 2001.
In addition, Howard County Library was the first public library system
in Maryland to offer free wireless access at every location. Howard
County is one of three libraries in Maryland—and one of fewer
than 20 nationwide—with an American Sign Language video collection.
The HAPLR survey rates public libraries across the country using 15
different measures, including visits, circulation, staffing, materials,
reference service, and funding levels. Howard County was compared
to other libraries serving comparably sized populations. Information
about HAPLR’s methods is available at
www.haplr-index.com. The
rankings appeared in the October issue of American Libraries,
the magazine of the American Library Association.
<< Back |
|
