Our library has been working hard toward its Sustainability Certification from the New York State Library Association, a three-step plan which includes working through environmental, social and financial benchmarks to help us meet the current and future needs of the community and ensure that we are sustainable as an organization.
The library completed the environmental part of the process in October 2019 when we became certified by the Green Business Partnership as a Green Library. Some of the changes we made to achieve this status include replacing all lights with LED bulbs, increasing recycling and using “green” cleaning products
The newest addition to our library environment is a Learning Garden, which is located just off the reading patio on the main level and is funded by the Friends of the Library. Ray and José from our maintenance staff are tending and maintaining the vegetables and greens they planted, while shepherding our new Children’s Garden Club as some of our young patrons learn about gardening. We have been donating the harvest to local food pantries.
The project also required the library to form a Green Team made up of staff members to help guide the process, implement a check-list of action items and encourage participation.
The other two steps in the sustainability process are
- Social: Treating employees fairly and providing opportunities for growth; being a good neighbor and member of the community, and providing equal access and opportunity to all.
- Economic: Complying with all regulations, adhering to proper governance and managing finances in ways that best serve the community and allow the library to respond and adapt to community needs.
We will update you periodically on our progress as we work toward this important goal.