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