The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library has been recognized as a high-performing library in a time of need. This week, the library was given four out of five stars by Library Journal, by the oldest and most respected publication covering the library field.

Libraries across the nation are playing a key role in their communities in this current economic crisis, and your library is no exception. Libraries were judged on number of visits, circulation, program attendance and public Internet computer use.

“Each month since the economic downturn, we’ve broken circulation records. More customers are coming in looking for job search tips or looking for free entertainment. We’re happy to fulfill their need and be recognized as a library of distinction,” Paul Brennan, collections manager, said.

Each day more than 3,000 visitors walk through the doors of the library. The library has experienced a 19.3 percent increase in the number of people coming into the library this year compared to last. In 2008, we checked out 2,453,453 items. This year, checkout is up 7 percent.

The library provides free computer and Internet access and training. We offer about 500 computer-training classes each year. Our instructors say attendance at computer training programs has increased as the unemployment rate has increased.

258 libraries from across the United States earned a star ranking. To find out what other Kansas libraries were awarded stars, visit Library Journal's website.