HASTINGS, Neb. – Hastings Public Library (HPL) is excited to announce that it has earned the Gold rating from the Nebraska Library Commission accreditation process.

This process is meant to encourage excellent library service and sets the standards for the offered services.

The Gold rating gives HPL the eligibility for State Aid and to apply for various grants and means that HPL meets the highest standard of library service. More about the process can be found at nlc.nebraska.gov.

HPL received its first Gold rating in 2014 after NLC revised its accreditation levels from a previous formula. At the time, accreditation was awarded every three years, but HPL was awarded a one-year extension due to its temporary relocation and renovation until 2018 when it was awarded Silver status.

Due to COVID in 2020, extra time was granted to all libraries; the accreditation process was reviewed, and it was determined that the application should renew every five years, resulting in 2024 as the renewal year for HPL.

The accreditation application includes a Community Needs Response Plan, or strategic plan.

HPL began developing its plan with the October 2023 community survey results, expanding on them with public feedback through surveys on Engage Hastings throughout the spring of 2024.

HPL used the responses and data to create the strategic plan that can be found on the Library Advisory Board page of its website, www.hastingslibrary.us.

“I am very proud of the library staff that have worked hard to achieve this gold rating,” said Amy Dissmeyer, library director, “We have an amazing library in central Nebraska with a wide variety of resources. Our staff work very hard to meet the needs of our community, and achieving a gold rating is an acknowledgment that the work they do everyday means Hastings has one of the best libraries in the state.”

Jessica Brock, president of the Library Advisory Board commented, “We're thrilled and honored with our Gold Status in library accreditation! This rating reflects our Library's dedication to excellence, community enrichment, and exceptional service. The exceptional humans who make up our library commit to its patrons and care deeply about being a community hub for
information and learning. Their dedication and hard work made this possible once again. A huge 'THANK YOU' to them all for their continued efforts.”