My library

Monday, January 4, I begin my new job at the local library. The city of Wisconsin Dells used to be named Kilbourn, and some institutions -- including the library -- reflect that in their name.

Last spring, the Kilbourn Public Library received the highest rating possible - five stars - in Library Journal’s Index of Public Library Service. Library Journal is one of the oldest and most respected journals in the library field. Out of 7,115 public libraries, only 84 in the entire nation earned 5 stars. Only three libraries in Wisconsin were awarded any stars at all, and we were the only one to receive all 5 possible stars.

The ranking system, similar to Michelin and Mobil guides used for restaurant and hotels, measured four key factors:

• number of people visiting the library,
• number of items circulated,
• Internet computer use and
• attendance at library programs.

Out of all 256 starred libraries in the United States, the Kilbourn Public Library ranked third in the nation for Internet terminal uses per capita. Of course, one reason for this great showing on internet usage is that, although the library serves Wisconsin Dells and the village of Lake Delton (combined population of under 6,000), we are in a major tourist area and the internet and other library facilities are used by tons of tourists and especially by the foreign students imported to work here during the Memorial-Day-through-Labor-Day season.

Anyway, it is a small town library but a great one. I am looking forward to being part of it.

This paragraph was posted on the library's website this weekend:

Welcome Michael

We are pleased to announce that Michael Dodd has joined the staff here at the Kilbourn Public Library. Michael will be spending part of his time on the bookmobile and will also be here at the circulation desk. Michael may be a familiar face to many of you as he has been volunteering here at the library for the last couple of years. Michael begins January 4. Join us in welcoming him to the library.