Some are calling it the "French Laundry" of libraries.
The Redwood City Library announced this week it won a five-star rating from the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service, the premier public library national rating system instituted by the Library Journal.
That makes the library on Middlefield Road the top-rated library in San Mateo County, and also the top-rated library among all mid-sized and large libraries in the entire country, meaning that Redwood City beat out Los Angeles and New York.
"I'm very proud of our library staff, and I urge our entire community to share in congratulating them on this great honor," said Redwood City Mayor Alicia Aguirre said in a statement. "We have worked hard to make the library a cutting-edge, engaging, and inviting place for the community. This rating really recognizes our success, and shines a wonderful national spotlight on our library, and our city."
Aside from books, DVDS and the regular stuff that libraries offer, this library also offers library offers an e-reader “petting zoo” to give devices a try. There are also 1,400 volunteers who spend their time helping patrons enjoy their library time.
Mother Lisa Espy loves coming with her children every week. "I love that it is so open and fun and the kids can run around," she said. She appreciates the wide diversity of books and computer games her children can utlizie.
Local
Only two libraries in California achieved the five star rating, and Redwood City's received the highest numerical score. Santa Monica was the other library.
Scores are based on per capita measurements including number of items borrowed, number of visits, number and types of programs offered, attendance at activities, level of public Internet use, and other elements. Library officials pointed out that this means that the library's exemplary ranking is also a recognition that the people of Redwood City are very involved and engaged with their library, taking full advantage of all the wonderful programs and materials available.
Only two libraries in California got five stars, with Redwood City's gaining the highest numerical score in the state. Only six other library systems in the San Francisco Bay Area were star rated at all, with Redwood City the only one getting the top rank of five stars.
