May Justus Memorial Library in Monteagle was named one of America’s Star Libraries in Library Journal’s December publication. The ratings are based on fiscal year 2018 data from the Public Library Survey annually filled out for the state. The survey measured successful retrievals of electronic information, physical circulation, library visits, program attendance, public internet computer use, and Wi-Fi sessions. This year, 5,608 U.S. public libraries qualified to be rated in the Library Journal’s index. Two hundred and sixty-two Star Libraries were recognized, each receiving a 3 -Star, 4-Star, or 5-Star designation. May Justus Memorial Library received a 3-Star designation with a service population of 2,823 and an operating budget of $16,646. Only three libraries in the state of Tennessee were recognized by Library Journal’s Index of Public Library Service and Star Library ratings.

Kate Huddleston, Assistant Director of Stone River Regional Library said “We are happy that the Library Journal finally recognizes that our smaller libraries in the state can do tremendous services for their communities on the limited funding available to them. We are so proud of Library Director Karen Tittle’s commitment to her community and recognition of excellence and all the work the Grundy County Library Board and local governments have done to promote and support the Grundy County libraries.”