5 Stars Again: Heights Libraries Get Highest Rating

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — The Heights Libraries have again been awarded five stars from the Library Journal's Index of Public Library Service.

Five-star ratings are reserved for the U.S.'s top library systems and branches. The newly released report is based on 2019 statistics and does not yet fully reflect the impact of COVID-19 on communities.

“These numbers reflect our best year ever, statistically speaking,” said Heights Libraries Director Nancy Levin. “In 2019, we had our highest circulation ever in our history, just a little over 2 million items loaned or downloaded. That high will make next year’s COVID-influenced stats a shock, so for now we’re just enjoying this bright spot in a very challenging year.”

The Heights Libraries circulation was 32.3 circulations per capita in its service area (of nearly 58,000 residents). That means approximately 32 items were circulated for ever resident in Cleveland Heights and University Heights. That's up from a previous high of 30.33.

The library system also saw visits per capita hit 12.35, program attendance reached .97 and public computer use came in at 3.89. WiFi sessions and eMedia circulation were also up.

Levin expects those numbers to tumble severely in a future ranking because of COVID-19 and the restrictions that were implemented statewide and at the Heights Libraries.

“But even now, with COVID restrictions, our community members are still borrowing items, attending virtual and socially-distanced programs, taking advantage of reopened study rooms and seating areas, getting help on the phone and in person with things like reference questions, tech questions, and printing services. People’s need for us hasn’t changed — if anything, they need us now more than ever," Levin added.

The Library Journal has published its Index of Public Library Service for the past 14 years. In 11 of those years, the Heights Libraries have received five stars. In the other three years, the system received a pair of four-star ratings and was not included in the index one year.