This is the 14th year in which LJ has scored U.S. public libraries on the LJ Index of Public Library Service and awarded Star Library ratings. The 2021 scores and ratings are based on FY19 data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Public Library Survey (PLS). We’ve interviewed library directors to learn how the pandemic has changed things since these numbers were collected.

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New stars, repeat stars, and changing constellations, plus what’s next for Star Libraries

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Where this year’s Star Libraries are located and what states are missing

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Five directors on how COVID-19 changed and challenged their public libraries and how they and their staffs pivoted to serve safely

By the Numbers

2021 Star Library Index Scores by Spending Category

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