AVALON – The Avalon Free Public Library (AFPL) has been listed as one of the country’s top libraries by Library Journal (LJ) for the fifth time. In the Nov. 2012 edition of Library Journal, the LJ Index of Public Library Service rated AFPL as 5 Stars on the basis of statistical performance data collected by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in 2008. The journal has rated the country’s libraries based on these statistics five times since 2009 and the Avalon Library is one of only three libraries in New Jersey to receive the five-Star designation each time.
Two hundred sixty-two libraries have received Star designations. Avalon library is one of 30 select libraries earning five stars in all five editions. In addition to the Avalon Library, the New Jersey star rating recipients include Mercer County Library (in Lawrenceville) and Bernardsville Public Library, each with 5 stars, Princeton Public Library and Roseland Free Public Library with 3 stars.
The LJ Index of Public Library Services reviews four per capita output measures that indicate public service- circulation, visits, program attendance, and public Internet use. More information about America’s Star Libraries is available by visiting libraryjournal.com/LJIndex2012.
“All libraries should be focal points for their communities,” Norman Gluckman, director of the library, commented on the rating. “What sets Avalon apart is the geographically-diverse nature of our community. The library has patrons in thirty-eight states. Indeed, the population center of our patron base is not Avalon, but rather Philadelphia. We are committed to providing services to all of our patrons, regardless of where they live. It is this effort combined with hard work by the staff in providing quality customer service which makes this a five-star library.”
The Avalon Library is located at 235 32nd Street and provides free and open access to first class collections, services and programs that inspire, inform and enrich the community. For more information on all library programs, please visit the library Web site at www.avalonfreelibrary.org.
