Mercer County’s library system has once again been recognized for excellence.
TRENTON — Mercer County’s library system has once again been recognized for excellence.
Library Journal, a monthly publication for library professionals, recently released its 2013 ratings for the nation’s public libraries and ranked the Mercer County Library System among the nation’s best libraries for the sixth consecutive year, according to a county press release.
The publication released its “America’s Star Libraries,” ratings, which rates 7,570 public libraries using a variety of data. Only 263 of libraries received a rating of five, four or three stars.
The Mercer County Library System earned a five-star rating, maintaining the prestigious rating it earned for the first time in 2008, and each subsequent year.
The county library system was one of just three libraries in New Jersey to receive this top honor, and placed sixth out of 34 libraries nationwide in its budget category, according to the release.
”I’m very pleased that our comprehensive library system in Mercer County is being recognized with this honor for the sixth year in a row,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “Our library system works hard to provide the best service and the most diverse programs to our residents and their families.”
The criteria for ranking the libraries were measures that indicate public service — per capita circulation, visits, program attendance and public internet use. The Mercer County Library System received the highest score possible in each of these categories.
”This designation is truly an acknowledgment of how well we meet and exceed the needs of our communities, and is a testament to all of our hard work, across every branch and department throughout the System,” said Library Director Ellen Brown.
The Mercer County Library System, made up of nine branches, is committed to providing the materials and services that satisfy the educational, informational, recreational and cultural needs of its diverse community and strives to encourage a lifelong interest in reading.
For information about the programs and services offered by the MCLS, please visit your local branch or www.mcl.org.

