Porter in top 10 list of U.S. libraries
By Kevin Kelley
Westlake
Published Nov. 22, 2006

Call David Letterman. Or maybe Casey Kasem.

Westlake Porter Public Library has made the top 10 list of all libraries in the nation according to Hennen’s American Public Library Rankings (HAPLR), which ranks 9,092 U.S. libraries.

Porter has consistently been in the top 10 for its population category since HAPLR’s rankings began in 1999. This is the first year the library has broken the overall top 10.

Porter placed second in its population category (25,000 to 49,999) this year, out of 933 libraries.

“This is an honor for everyone involved with the library — the staff, the Board of Trustees, the Friends of the Library and our loyal customers,” Interim Director Jackie Duffy said. “It is reflective of both the heavy way in which this community uses its library and the staff’s dedication to providing exceptional customer service to each and every person who walks through the doors.”

The HAPLR rankings are based on 2004 usage and service data, including circulation, materials, reference service, number of visitors, staffing levels, and funding.

Duffy said she believes the 15 statistical factors used to compile the ratings are also reflective of the library’s efficient, cost-effective service.

Andrew Mangels, a branch manager in Kansas’ Johnson County Library System since 1998, was named Porter’s new director last month by the board of directors. He assumes his duties later this month.

Like Porter, the Johnson County system has been nationally recognized for its service, Mangel noted in an interview with West Life last month.

“I would like to continue that and see that Westlake continues to receive awards,” he said.

In addition to the HAPLR honor, Westlake Porter Public Library was once again named the “Best Library” in the Cleveland area by Scene Magazine in its annual “Best of Cleveland” issue, published in September.

Porter, an independent library, was established in 1884 by a bequest by Leonard G. Porter.

A neighboring independent institution, the Rocky River Public Library, was ranked No. 5 by HAPLR for its 10,000-24,999 population category and in the top 100 of all libraries in the U.S.