We are very pleased and proud to announce Weston Public Library has been designated as a 2022 Library Journal Starred Library. For the last fifteen years, Library Journal has been awarding stars to public libraries based on levels of service. Stars are awarded based on an index that is comprised of eight data points, referred to as service metrics: physical circulation, E-material circulation, library visits, program attendance, public computer users, wi-fi sessions, electronic retrievals, and library website visits. It is worth noting that the 2022 LJ Index was scored with data collected and reported to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners for fiscal year 2020. COVID impacted all public libraries by varying degrees, so it is important to remember that libraries navigated the unprecedented challenges in a variety of ways and with much differing levels of support. It is incredibly gratifying to be recognized given the demands presented by COVID and the massive changes felt society-wide.
In total, 258 public libraries nationwide received star designations for 2022; this is from a pool of 5,359 libraries who qualified based on providing statistics for all metrics. A library which did not answer a data point was disqualified. In Massachusetts, 20 libraries were awarded Starred status including, within the budget framework equivalent to Weston’s: West Tisbury Free Public Library, Brooks Free Library (Harwich), Wellesley Free Library, Cary Memorial Library (Lexington), and Lincoln Public Library.
Weston Public Library shares this success with all community stakeholders. We are grateful that the Trustees are supportive of staff and willing to allow us to try new ideas. Funding provided by the Town provides infrastructure for staff to order materials and schedule programs that meet the needs and interests of residents. Town staff also support the functioning of the library from paying bills to capturing wi-fi statistics. Friends of the Weston Library provide financial and volunteer support that drives foot traffic to programs as well as book and bake sales. The best libraries reflect and refract the sparks of the communities that they serve. We are very grateful to the Weston Community for their love and pride in their public library. This recognition is a testament to the power of community.