Green at the Library

Our Libraries

By their very nature, public libraries are environmentally-friendly institutions.  They are places where hundreds of people can read the same book, listen to the same CD, or watch the same DVD.  They are the embodiment of the first of the three R’s: Reuse.    

In the past few years, our library has worked to further reduce our environmental impact.  We have formed a Green Committee (made up of seven committed staff members) and drafted an Environmental Policy, which will help guide our organization’s growth and development. 

Recently, the Bruce Hutchison branch participated in GreenStart, a pilot program (run by the CRD and City Green Solutions) which helps organizations take action to reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on the environment in six key areas:

• Energy Efficiency
• Sustainable Purchasing
• Water Conservation
• Transportation
• Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention
• Staff and Community Engagement 

The report that was generated by this initiative will help generate steps that can be taken system-wide.

Our Collections and Programs

Every year we work on adding to our already extensive collection of books and DVDs on environmental issues.  These items cover a wide breadth of issues – everything from homesteading to environmental activism to solar energy.

We also work hard to create relevant lecture series.  We have had talks on many topics, including the following:

• Year-round Gardening
• Beekeeping in the City
• Backyard Chickens
• Canning and Preserving
• Innovative Communities Worldwide
• Building Green Neighborhoods
• Greening your Home 

We are constantly looking for ways to further our commitment to the environment – if you have any suggestions for us please feel free to contact us.