WRL Marks Third Year as Top Public Library in State

WRL Marks Third Year as Top Public Library in State

By WYDaily Staff Tuesday, October 12, 2010

The Williamsburg Regional Library is a three-peat, according to a national rating of public libraries.

For the third consecutive time, the national publication “Library Journal” has rated Williamsburg Regional Library as one of the best public libraries in the nation, and the only five-star library in Virginia.

The magazine assigns libraries with star ratings similar to those used by Michelin and other travel guides. WRL was ranked as the seventh highest library nationwide in its budget category. The other Virginia libraries ranked were the Mary Riley Styles Public Library in Falls Church with four stars and the Central Rappahannock Regional Library headquartered in Fredericksburg, which received three stars.

“To be recognized by ‘Library Journal’ as a five-star library for a third consecutive year is outstanding,” said WRL director John A. Moorman. “This honor reflects the excellent support given the library by our localities and the hard work in service and programs developed by our staff. I remain thrilled to see such support and dedicated work recognized on a national level.”

The latest “Library Journal” Index of Public Library Service identifies 85 five-star libraries out of the 7,407 public libraries it rated across the U.S. Ratings are based on four per-capita service indicators: library visits, circulation, program attendance and public Internet computer uses. Libraries were grouped by budget categories. Within its category WRL achieved exceptionally high per-capita rankings: first in Program Attendance, and among the top 25 in Circulation and Internet Usage.

Williamsburg Regional Library consists of the James City County Library, Mobile Library Services and the Williamsburg Library and serves more than 85,000 people in the City of Williamsburg, James City County and upper York County.

Comments

0 #10 Guest 2010-10-14 08:45

The Williamsburg Regional Library filters for pornography on public computers.

Quote

0 #9 Guest 2010-10-13 13:03

I would have to say that for the most part that the staff is GREAT.

However - the last I checked, there are still no filters on the computers, even in the children's section. So an adult can go in there and access a pornographic site. When I checked on procedures, the only safeguard was that the staff (once they noticed what was on the screen) would verbally admonish and tell the patron that the information was inappropriate. this is beyond irresponsible - most parents assume that the library is a safe spot and would not even believe that their kids could have access to pornography in the children's library.

Of course the situation/polic y may have changed (I sure hope so.) Please correct me if I am wrong.

Quote

-2 #8 Guest 2010-10-13 08:34

Of course I know that Norge is part of the system but it is not in Williamsburg and not a City library but part of an agreed consortium. There have even been discussions to separate from the Wmsbg system.

Again, long waits for popular books. Check our some other Cities' libraries to see what we are missing.

For it's size a good library but number one???

Quote

+1 #7 Guest 2010-10-12 20:53

I have lived in several different communities around the country, and I feel like one good indicator of a communities values is its public library. Our library says a lot about what we value here, and we should be grateful that we are able to maintain the level of services that we have in times of cutbacks. Thanks to the library staff for all their hard work in providing a great service to the community!

Quote

+5 #6 Guest 2010-10-12 10:19

This is wonderful news. Thanks to all the staff for producing excellent results, even as the state cut the budget! Let's seek more support for WRL and other public libraries in Virginia. :lol:

Quote

-10 #5 Guest 2010-10-12 09:56

Is this the same library where I've ventured, for years. to research and consistently felt negtive vibes from too many, not all, of the front counter personnel? Have even driven over to the Yorktown Library for much friendlier personnel help! How do we vote next year? Honest....

Quote

+7 #4 Guest 2010-10-12 09:06

Congratulations to Dr. Moorman and his staff! My husband, daughter and I love our local libraries, not just for the books, but for all the wonderful programs offered! Thank you for all the hard work you do - this three-peat honor is well deserved.

Quote

+1 #3 Guest 2010-10-12 08:32

Quoting Jessie:

The Norge library is superior.

I'm guessing you know that's part of Williamsburg Regional Library, too, Jessie?

Quote

-8 #2 Guest 2010-10-12 08:04

I love our library and I am a big user but I am amazed at it's ranking. I had to get a library card from the Richmond area (where I often visit) to get better choices and more downloadable books. (Long before we had them)
For the number of users, our library is sorely lacking; waits for popular books extend for months! The Norge library is superior.

Quote

+12 #1 Guest 2010-10-12 07:11

We are very lucky to have this library in our community. The staff is great and have worked hard to maintain the 5 star rating.

Quote

Refresh comments list

Add comment

WYDaily invites you to join the community conversation. We expect civil discourse here. Personal attacks on others, indecent language and bad manners in general are unwelcome.

JComments