Models You Can Use from America's Star Libraries

-- Library Journal, 2/15/2009

To help all public libraries benefit from the good work of the top libraries rated in the LJ Index of Public Library Service 2009 the editors of LJ invited the five-star libraries to submit their ideas on what particular strategies work at their libraries. The smart, insightful responses, organized by expenditure range, offer many tips to put to work in libraries of all sizes.

LJ hopes to expand this treasure trove as time goes on. If your library received a star rating and you have strategies to share, please email a submission of up to 700 words to Rebecca Miller at miller@reedbusiness.com 

+$30,000,000
Cleveland Public Library, OH: The Ideas Play Out in Programs
Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH: Practice a Community Focus
Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, NC: Utilize an IdeaTorrent
San José Public Library, CA: Libraries the San José Way
 

$10,000,000 - $29,999,999
Akron-Summit County Public Library, OH: Increase Community Involvement
Ann Arbor District Library, MI: Get to the Yes
Arlington Heights Memorial Library, IL: View Change as Evolutionary
Mercer County Library, Lawrenceville, NJ: Be the Cornerstone of Your Community
Naperville Public Library, IL: Get a 360 Degree View
Pasadena Public Library, CA: Be VITAL to the Neighborhood
Salt Lake City Public Library, UT: Commit to the Community
Schaumburg Township District Library, IL: Put Feedback to Work

$5,000,000 - $9,999,999
Cerritos Public Library, CA: Provide Positive Experiences at Each Point of Contact
Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, OH: Totally Service Driven
Greenwich Library, CT: Fund Special Projects with a Special Process 
Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library, NY: All Welcome and Empowered
Shaker Heights Public Library, OH: Vision + Dedication + Collaboration + Patience + Teamwork
Upper Arlington Public Library, OH: Show Them You’re Listening
Williamsburg Regional Library, VA: Prioritize the Strategic Plan
Worthington Libraries, OH: Spend Taxpayers’ Money Wisely

$1,000,000 - $4,999,999
Avalon Free Public Library, NJ: Use E to Increase Participation
Darien Library, CT: Run an Innovative Organization that Happens To Be a Library
Grandview Heights Public Library, Columbus, OH: A Destination Library
Hays Public Library, KS: Meet the Public Need
Port Jefferson Free Library, NY: Strive for Quality Responsive Service, and Experiment
San Miguel County Public Library District #1, Telluride, CO: Never Complacent
Way Public Library, Perrysburg, OH: A Lively Hub  
Wickliffe Public Library, OH: Our Product Is Service

$400,000 - $999,999
Bernardsville Public Library, NJ: “Nothing Is Not Our Job”
Cutchogue Free Library, NY: Be Responsive, Avoid “No”
Haines Borough Public Library, AK: Engage the Community on All Levels
Perry Public Library, OH: Benefit the Patrons First

$200,000 - $399,999
Grand Valley Public Library, OH: Willing Creativity
Wellfleet Public Library, MA: Thinking of the Library as an Inspired and Inspiring Place

$100,000 - $199,999
Central City Public Library, NE: Know IT, and All IT Entails
Delta Community Library, Delta Junction, AK: Promote Patron Ownership of THEIR Library
Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, VT: The Town Common

$50,000 - $99,999
Castleton Public Library, NY: Friendliness Reigns
Fleming Community Library, CO: Jack of All Trades

$10,000 - $49,999
Centerville Community Library, SD: Taking Advantage of a Combined System
Ida Long Goodman Memorial Library: Partnerships Drive Potential
Lewiston Public Library, UT: Provide Services to All
Shuter Library of Angel Fire, NM: Act Bigger than You Are

Star libraries: Tell the world you're a star! Get an America's Star Library 2009 badge for your website.