Library Journal’s new national ranking of public libraries, the LJ Index of Public Library Service, has identified 256
“Starred” libraries in the United States. This group was selected out of a pool of 7,115 public libraries. We are pleased
to report that the Hudson Library and Historical Society has been selected as one of these 256 starred libraries.

For years there has been concern about the criteria used in the Hennen rating of American libraries. That’s why
Library Journal launched the new Index of Public Library Service. It is based on the only kind of performance that
matters : what libraries deliver to their users.

To determine just that, the LJ Index looked at four reliable statistics that libraries provide to their state governments
and that are then further compiled by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). They answer the “What
have you done for me lately?” question by using per capita figures. They measured how many times a year did the
average person take out a book, audio book, DVD or other item from the library? How many times did they come to
the library? Attend a program? Use a public access computer? This data was then compiled and libraries were ranked
accordingly.

It is not surprising that a number of starred libraries are from Ohio. This is due in part to the fact that Ohio is the
only state (outside Hawaii) with dedicate statewide funding for public libraries. That translates into larger numbers of
resources such as books, DVDs, audio books, CDs and periodicals being available to customers along with more
computers, more public programs, and longer hours of operation.

At the Hudson Library and Historical Society this has translated into providing outstanding public library service.
We are honored to have been recognized for our work and will continue to strive to provide top quality service to
our community