The Bigelow Free Public Library has committed to pursuing certification with the Sustainable Libraries Initiative. Working with a mentor and a set list of requirements, the library staff, trustees, and volunteers are slowly addressing policies, procedures, and practices to make the library more sustainable for the future.
To become a Sustainable Library, library staff and volunteers review and implement a list of items that fall under one (or more) of three categories: Environmentally Sound, Economically Feasible, and Socially Equitable. Together, they create the bedrock of a sustainable library.
For more information, visit the Sustainable Libraries Initiative website.
Some of our initiatives include:
- Better signage for recycling bins
- More conscientious purchasing of recycled & recyclable products
- Offering public programs about sustainability
- Default to 2-sided printing on staff and patron computers
- “Try before you buy” Library of Unexpected Items. Why buy when you can borrow?
