The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) is one of three libraries in the State of New Jersey named a four-star library by Library Journal (LJ) Index of Public Library Service.
“I am a long-time Somerset County Library user and Library lover,” Nancy Stoll, Somerset County Library commission chair, said in a prepared statement. “I have always known and appreciated the value a Library brings to a community. But, now that I frequently work one-on-one with the staff at SCLSNJ, I truly understand the care, thought, expertise, and devotion our staff put into enhancing the myriad services our System provides throughout Somerset County.
“Free one-on-one training and reference interviews; virtual book discussion salons; over 100 research databases; a large, comprehensive and always growing literary collection; educational virtual programs; and so much more – with our suite of services, I am not surprised that we are a Star Library, but I am so pleased to have earned that extra star this year,” she said.
Out of the 250-plus libraries in the state only three, including SCLSNJ, received star ratings, according to the statement. The other two New Jersey Star Libraries are the Princeton Public Library and Margate City Public Library.
“For many years running, SCLSNJ has once again been named a Library Journal Star Library, this time, one of only 262 in the entire U.S.,” Brian Auger, county library administrator, said in the statement. “I’m confident I speak on behalf of the entire staff in saying that we are all delighted to be recognized for the value the library adds to the communities we serve.”
During the pandemic the Library System continued to provide exceptional service to library customers by expanding virtual services; growing the selection of digital materials available for checkout; and offering virtual programming, according to the statement.
“SCLSNJ accepts the Library Journal Star Library designation with appreciation,” Christopher Korenowsky, director of public services, said in the statement. “Our library takes great pride in receiving this acknowledgment of a job well done for our public. The roles of public libraries continue to change in various ways due to the current public health situation, and I have no doubt SCLSNJ will continue to not only meet those challenges, but excel within them as well.”
“I am proud to work at a Star Library with so many dedicated colleagues, all focused on providing the best possible library service we can for our community,” Lynn Hoffman, director of operations, said in the statement. “It’s gratifying to receive this recognition.”
The Library Journal Index is a measurement tool that compares United States public libraries with their spending peers based on five per capita output measures: circulation, library visits, program attendance, circulation of electronic materials, and public Internet computer use.
For more information about SCLSNJ’s resources and programs, visit SCLSNJ.org.
For more information about America’s Star Libraries, visit LibraryJournal.com.