Seneca Free Library Wins Award!

For the fifth time in the last 10 years, the Seneca Free Library has received national recognition for excellence.

The recent release of the American Public Library Rating Index by Thomas Hennen ranks Seneca 5th out of all public libraries in the U.S. with populations between 1,000 and 2,400. In the past Seneca has placed 3rd in 2005, 2nd in 2004, 5th in 2001 and 8th in 2000. Thomas Hennen started this index in 1997 to attempt to rate all of America’s public libraries using an index that would highlight the best public libraries in the country. His index looks at 15 weighted factors that range from circulation to staffing levels, to materials, funding, programming, as well as visits in the lbrary.

Only four libraries in Kansas received a rating this year: Johnson County Library, Overland Park, in the 250,000 population, Hays Public Library in the 10,000 population and Hardtner, in the 1,000 and under population.

The data came from 9,076 libraries, collected by 50 state library agencies, and compiled at the national level by the Federal-State Cooperative System and then published by the National Center for Education Statistics.

The Seneca community and surrounding area have always been great supporters of the library. The Seneca Library board and staff appreciate that support and it shows in many ways, including this national recognition. The library is always trying to improve and add to the services it provides. The board encourages everyone in the community to come in and see what a great resource the community has and also, to let them know what improvements can be made or what service could be added.

Board members are: Stan Murphy, Nancy Imholte, Eldon Fleury, Loyola Engelken, Louis Sedlacek, Glenda Wilhelm, and Dee Lizzol. Staff members are: Edna Love, Arlene Gudenkauf,  Karen Todd, Joyce Kohake and Karen Holthaus, director.

                                                                             By Karen Holthaus