Bayport Library garners national recognition

Bayport Public Library is one of eight Minnesota public libraries recognized with a star rating in the Library Journal's first annual index of Public Library Service. The index rates 7,115 libraries nationwide; only 256 earned star ratings.

Library Journal measured library public service output using the following four indicators: visits, circulation, program attendance and public Internet computer use. Using 2006 data, libraries were scored in relation to peer libraries based on total operating expenditures. Factors that influence a library's public service output are: community, organization, funding, leadership and management, according to the Article "America's Star Libraries" in the February 15, 2009, issue of Library Journal.

The article goes on to say: "Beyond these external factors, service levels can also be affected by how public libraries are run and the philosophy management espouses. Most of the library leaders interviewed point to strong customer service as one certain explanation of their library's high service outputs.

Congratulations to BPL Director Kathy MacDonald and her outstanding staff on this well-deserved honor. It reinforces what patrons have known all along: Bayport Public Library is a star!