By Elizabeth Lowe
Staff writer

Two local libraries are earning high marks.
The Library of Michigan introduced its Quality Services Audit Checklist last summer, a three-step program to help public libraries provide the most-needed patron services.
The Genesee District Library, including the Goodrich branch, was the first library in the state to receive the ‘essential? services designation, the first step in the program. GDL was the second in the state to receive step two ‘enhanced? designation, and the first in the state to attain the ‘excellent? designation in April.
‘We’re very proud,? said Pat Peterson, GDL director of outreach services. ‘We couldn’t do it without the branches. Goodrich is very important, we get very good feedback. Since the last millage, we’ve been able to buy more books’a lot of new best-sellers, and DVDs. It’s all about public services.?
‘Genesee District Library had to achieve over 125 quality measures in six service categories to qualify for excellent status,? said Martha McKee, Library of Michigan project coordinator for quality services.
Brandon Township Public Library in Ortonville received the Library of Michigan’s ‘essential? designation in November 2004.
The library expects to attain enhanced designation by January 2006, focusing on increasing and upgrading services already provided, said Paula Gauthier, Brandon Township Library assistant director.
To learn more, go to http://www.michigan.gov/qsac.

Staff writer Susan Bromley contributed to this report.