Scott Weaver/Columbus Metropolitan LibraryThe main branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library is located at 96 S. Grant Ave.

Columbus Metropolitan Library is the number one library in the nation, according to Hennen’s American Public Library Rating Index results published Oct. 2.

Since the rating’s inception in 1999, CML has gained the top-spot three times and is consistently in the top four.

The HAPLR-index ranked 9,353 libraries based on 15 different categories, ranging from book circulation to number of visitors. CML had a combined score of 879 out of a possible 900.

“The numbers were close, and a few 100,000 books can make a difference,” said Kim Snell in Media Relations for CML. The Cuyahoga County Public Library, which took second place, and CML had only an 8 point difference in total score and have frequently battled it out for the number one rank since the ratings were established.

Events including community meetings and social and cultural events have helped CML earn the number one ranking.

“Things are always changing, developing and expanding at the library,” Snell said. “By continuing to provide the best programs and services we hope to continue receiving the number one honor.”

In order to foster a sense of community in the library system, CML is implementing the 20/20 Vision Plan, a series of community meetings at every branch where library patrons can voice their opinions about available resources and changes they would like to see in their local branches. Meeting dates can be found on the CML Web site.

On a recent trip to the Whetstone branch, located at 3909 N. High St., Claire Racine noticed the sense of community.

“When I first went in, I thought it was a town meeting,” said Racine, a junior in journalism and French. “I was amazed at how many people were using the library as a resource. Even more than that, it was people of all different ages, interacting, studying and chatting.”

CML and the Bureau for Open Culture are also hosting Dewey Decimal Days, a series of events at local branches celebrating “libraries, readings and a love for all-things related to books,” according to the Bureau for Open Culture Web site. The series runs through Oct. 18.

The Main Branch of the Columbus Public Library is located at 96 S. Grant Ave. A full list of locations, hours and events can be found at www.columbuslibrary.org.

Catrina Otonoga can be reached at [email protected]