Sustainability Initiative

Since September 2021 we have been working towards a Certification with the Sustainable Libraries Initiative, which was created in response to resolutions by the New York and American Library Associations' on the importance of sustainable libraries.

The process is designed to create a community of leaders within Harborfields Public Library with tools to establish sustainable practices and demonstrate how acting sustainably can change our community for the better.  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:

• Creation of a “Green Team” to help guide the process, implement a check-list of action items and encourage participation
• Completed a staff survey revealing staff interests and concerns
• Presented a Sustainability Policy to the Library Board of Trustees, which was accepted and can be viewed on our website
• Held the Great Giveaway, donated items made available for free to the community
• Developed a process for reusing and recycling discarded materials
• Expanded coordination with local groups for donation drives and events

• Participation in NexTrex plastic film recycling challenge
• Evaluate and recommend in-house purchasing procedures and products
• Provide additional educational programs and activities for staff and the community related to social justice and the environment
• Install and maintain additional Little Free Libraries
• Sponsor and maintain a raised bed at Clifford Soergel Memorial Outreach Garden with Library volunteers

Please email us at info@harborfieldslibrary.org with your comments and suggestions.