Library Journal ranks Eugene Public Library among nation’s best

EUGENE — In its 2022 rankings, Library Journal has named Eugene Public Library a “Star Library.” This rating places the library in the top 3% of public libraries nationwide for excellence in cost-effective delivery of key services during fiscal year 2020.

The library has earned a spot in the annual Star Library rankings six previous times.

Within its budget category, the Eugene Public Library’s overall score was comparable to Santa Monica and Salt Lake. In Wi-Fi use, Eugene was third nationally, trailing only Ann Arbor District Library and the San Mateo County Libraries.

Library Journal scores were given to 5,359 public libraries and 258 of them received stars. Washington State had no libraries on the list, while California had 12 and Oregon had nine.

Other Oregon libraries honored for cost-effective service included: Cedar Mill Community Library; Corvallis-Benton County Public Library; Curry Public Library District; Deschutes Public Library District; Garden Home Community Library; Joseph City Library; Multnomah County Library; and Port Orford Public Library.

“All of us at the library work hard to provide the people of Eugene with excellent value for each dollar we’re entrusted with,” Eugene Public Library Director Will O’Hearn said. “This rating confirms that we’re returning a very high level of service on our community’s investment. Compared objectively nationwide, Eugene Public Library stands out as a top performer.”

The Library Journal study, “Index of Public Library Service 2022,” ranked 5,359 qualifying public libraries, evaluating service delivery per capita among libraries with comparable budgets. The 2022 rankings are based on fiscal year 2020 data reported by libraries to the national Institute of Museum and Library Services. The libraries were scored on selected output measures including number of visits, check-outs, program attendance and computer use.

Fiscal year 2020 was a unique period, with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic causing extreme disruptions and changes to daily life, including library services. Still, from July 2019 through June 2020, the library served nearly 800,000 visitors. The library processed more than 1.7 million check-outs of physical items and more than 412,600 online items.

The library’s three locations provided free programs including story times, workshops and performances for all ages with more than 41,000 community members participating. The library’s computers provided more than 109,500 user sessions and the library’s Wi-Fi provided more than 1.7 million user sessions.

For more information, contact Eugene Public Library at 541-682-5450 or eugene-or.gov/library.