Busy library wins an accolade

Because of your continued support and encouragement, Charleston County Public Library is one of the best library systems in the nation, according to a first comparison by Library Journal, the oldest and most respected publication in the field.

This extensive study assessed 7,115 public libraries, clustering systems with similar operating budgets and rating them in four key categories: number of visitors, circulation, program attendance and public Internet computer use.

Being designated a "star" library in the Library Journal Index means Charleston County Public Library is considered in the top 3 percent of library systems throughout the country.

This honor is possible because of the joint efforts of area residents who embrace the library and our talented library employees who are committed to making CCPL the very best.

Libraries are an essential cornerstone in thriving, vital communities, and CCPL prides itself on being a true community-wide resource. Our materials, events, workshops, research assistance and technology training provide the public with free access to education, culture, self-help and lifelong learning opportunities, regardless of age, income, neighborhood or employment.

The Library Journal's accolade comes at a time when our library is busier than ever, reflecting a national trend of increased library use from residents suffering in this economic downturn, searching for ways to save money or needing help finding a job.

In the most recent budget year, the library's circulation was 3.42 million, patron visits exceeded two million, nearly 1.93 million reference questions were answered and more than 4,700 programs drew an audience of 147,500.

A 2007 comparison by the S.C. State Library found that CCPL was the busiest public library system in South Carolina, ranking first in circulation, patron visits, programs offered, program attendance, reference transactions, public Internet computers and number of branches.

As the community has learned about the variety and depth of the library's services, we've experienced double and triple digit growth in just five years. This demonstrates how we have made a difference by working together and sharing a common vision of excellence.

This month, we celebrate National Library Week and National Library Workers' Day, and we hope you'll join the celebration by letting us hear from you. Please visit our Web site at www.ccpl.org, click on the "Why I Love My Library" logo and share your stories of how you use the library and how it has impacted your life.

R. PATRICK FLYNN
Chairman
Library Board of Trustees
Calhoun Street
Charleston

This letter was also signed by: Cynthia Bledsoe, acting director, Charleston County Public Library, and Sharon M. Harvey, president, Charleston County Friends of the Library.