Ann Arbor District Library named one of top in the country
The Ann Arbor District Library was once again recognized in the Library Journal's annual survey, America's Star Libraries, according to an AADL news release.
The survey recognizes libraries most used by their communities. And for the third time, AADL was awarded five stars — the highest ranking possible. It was one of two Michigan libraries to be included in the list; a Kent County library received three stars.
The Ann Arbor District Library, known for its breadth of programs, was nationally recognized.
File photo
About 85 libraries from across the country were awarded five stars.
The star ranking takes into consideration patron use per capita, circulation transactions, visits to the library, public Internet terminal use and program attendance, according to the release.
The 2010 survey was based on 2008 data. Since that was collected, according to the release, AADL experienced growth in most of those categories, including an 18.3 percent increase in program attendance — up to 62,584 visitors from 52,891 in 2008. It also saw an 11 percent increase in checkouts and renewals, up to 9.1 million from 8.2 million.
Comments
avida2reader
Tue, Oct 19, 2010 : 1:39 p.m.
@treetowncartel This award is for the *entire* library system - which includes all 5 locations of the library. Therefore the branches are included in the stats and are part of why the award was given. Also generally speaking the homeless/street population doesn't usually check out books (ID and residence is require for a card), nor do they attend many programs so their "influx" doesn't have any bearing on the stats used for this honor. The downtown library is well patrolled by security. However, if people who use the library don't let staff know when they see things that need to be dealt that's not helpful - let them know if you see something that needs to be addressed. The library has an extensive behavior policy but everyone needs to be the eyes and ears in a public space http://www.aadl.org/aboutus/policies/behavior
Thara
Tue, Oct 19, 2010 : 11:32 a.m.
Way to go AADL! I love the library system. Its great music, books, CDs, kids' programs....and so much more. My kids grew up attending Laura Pershin's story time when Laura used to be part of the library in the Westgate shopping center. Wonderful memories! Such a great place to go to...3 cheers to AADL.
Steve Hendel
Tue, Oct 19, 2010 : 10:31 a.m.
They could put Netflix out of business if they mailed DVDs! I love it!!!
HaeJee
Tue, Oct 19, 2010 : 9:38 a.m.
Congrats! Another reason why Ann Arbor is such a wonderful place to live.
A2K
Tue, Oct 19, 2010 : 9:21 a.m.
I love AADL's Pittsfield branch - beautiful structure, great staff, I just order my books from the website and pick 'em up when they arrive...I read 2-3 books a week so it saves me 1,000's of dollars a year and keeps my house from being overrun with books. *love to see this part of my tax dollars at work*
DFSmith
Tue, Oct 19, 2010 : 12:33 a.m.
I love the AADL, it is a great resource in our community. However, the AADL's administrators need to exercise some amount of control over the homeless and the gang-banger wanna-bees that seem to treat the downtown Main Branch as their unofficial hangout.
treetowncartel
Mon, Oct 18, 2010 : 10:22 p.m.
The influx of homeless people to the region may have gotten it to go from four to five stars. I do wonder if it will maintain the circulation numbers with the construction taking place. It is also too bad the sattelite branches can't get some recognition for what they bring to the comunities they serve.
allieb
Mon, Oct 18, 2010 : 7:19 p.m.
Having experience with a couple different public libraries, I agree. AADL is awesome.
peg dash fab
Mon, Oct 18, 2010 : 6:24 p.m.
late fees are not for revenue, they are to encourage the return of borrowed items. (think what would happen if there were no late fees!)
frozenhotchocolate
Mon, Oct 18, 2010 : 5:47 p.m.
of all the complaints one can make about a2, the library is not one of them. the worse thing is that late fees make it so you can't check out. I understand never returning something, but late fees seem like blockbuster when the whole place is totally tax supported. great library system and great offerings.