The Sustainable Libraries Initiative

The Sustainable Libraries Initiative provides a framework for Kimball Library to align all of our operations with a triple bottom line: environmental soundness; social equity; economic feasibility. These values contribute to a more resilient community.

Here's what we are working on - with ideas for you to consider adopting, too.

The community

• Developing partnerships with community organizations to leverage resources and reach a broader audience
• 24/7 food pantry available to all
• Considering the Library's role in community resilience and disaster recovery

The Building

• Reducing energy consumption
  • new HVAC systems
  • LED lighting
  • using window shades to keep cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter
• Using cleaning products from the EPA's "Safer Choice" list
• Landscaping and gardens that support pollinators and soil health

Library services

• Developing programs and collections that reflect the diversity in our community and the world
• Reduce / reuse / recycle is our goal - including the hard-to-recycle stuff.

The staff

• examining our personal practices:
  • home waste audit
  • home energy audit
  • home water audit
  • household carbon footprint







 
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• People illustrations by Storyset