Sustainability Initiative

The Harrison Public Library has joined a growing number of public libraries across the country in participating in the Sustainable Libraries Initiative.

We have begun work on the Certification Program, which provides library leaders with a tested, structured path forward to increase our commitment to environmental stewardship. This process asks the Library Board of Trustees and administration to examine their policies and practices, day-to-day workflow, and building and grounds environment for ways to act in a more sustainable manner in areas such as water and energy use, indoor and outdoor spaces, resilience planning, and collective impact. There are 12 sections, each focusing on a different part of sustainability: economic feasibility, environmental stewardship, and social justice for our community.

So far, this is what we have accomplished:

• Created a “Green Team” to help guide the process
• Completed a staff survey revealing staff interests and concerns
• Presented a Sustainability and Sustainable Purchasing Policies to the Library Board of Trustees, which was accepted and can be viewed on our website
• Conducted energy and waste audits
• Added water bottle fillers to the library to encourage the use of a reusable bottles
• Participated in Eco-Literacy training for team leaders

2/14/23