Northbrook, Wilmette libraries named among the best

The Northbrook and Wilmette public libraries earned Library Journal five-star designations within their per capita spending range of $5 million to $9.9 million.

It was the fourth straight year the Northbrook Public Library has received the 5-star rating. It also was awarded five stars in 2013 and 2012, library Executive Director Kate Hall said.

The Wilmette Public Library also has been awarded five stars for four consecutive years.

The award considers aspects such as library visits, the number of computer users and physical circulation -- a "quantitative analysis that looks at how actively a community is using a library based on per capita," Hall said.

The two libraries were among 17 in Illinois to receive 5-star ratings at all levels of expenditures.

The 2022 awards were based on data from the 2020 fiscal year. Nationwide, 5,359 libraries nationwide received Library Star index scores, and 258 earned stars.

Hall noted that with 43, Illinois had the most libraries that earned stars for 2022. New York followed with 22.