Local libraries rate high

The most recent American Public Library ratings were released earlier this month and two local libraries were among the top five. In New Hampshire, for libraries serving communities of more than 10,000 people, only five libraries were ranked in the 90th percentile or higher, including the Wadleigh Memorial Library in Milford and the Amherst Town Library.

The American Public Library Ratings serves as a “report card” for libraries. The APLR analyzes 15 pieces of data from public library annual reports filed with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, with greatest emphasis on circulation (the number of materials loaned to the public in a given year), staffing, materials, reference service and funding support. The Portsmouth Public Library earned the state’s highest score (97), followed by the Exeter Public Library (96), the Howe Library in Hanover (95), the Wadleigh Library (95) and the Amherst library (90).