Today is Earth Day! Why is this environmental "holiday" of interest to the MHLS library community? The New York Library Association (NYLA) recently passed a resolution that makes the case:

Whereas, libraries are essential to the communities they serve; and

Whereas, library leaders have a mandate to ensure future access to economical library services; and

Whereas, libraries that demonstrate good stewardship of the resources entrusted to them can build their base of support in their communities which leads to sustainable funding; and

Whereas, the scientific community has clearly communicated that current trends in climate change are of great concern to all; and

Whereas, the people who work in our libraries and access services in our facilities deserve a healthy environment in which to do so; and

Whereas, libraries who demonstrate leadership in making sustainable decisions that help to positively address climate change, respect natural resources and create healthy indoor and outdoor environments will stabilize and reduce their long-term energy costs, increase the support for the library in their community; and reveal new sources of funding; therefore be it

Resolved, that the New York Library Association, on behalf of its members, recognizes the important role libraries can play in larger community conversations about resiliency, climate change, and a sustainable future; and be it further

Resolved, that the New York Library Association enthusiastically encourages activities by its membership - and itself - to be proactive in their application of sustainable thinking in the areas of their facilities, operations, policy, technology, programming and partnerships.

How can your library "think sustainably"? Here are a few ideas to get you started.  

• Benchmark the energy consumption at your library.As you begin to reduce your consumption this will help you measure success! Want to get really serious? Check out the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to track energy and water consumption as well as greenhouse gas emissions.     

• Enact an environmentally preferable purchasing policy: When you have the choice to purchase a more environmentally sustainable item (FSC paper, recycled-content folders, green cleaning supplies, etc.) institutionalize that decision making so that staff know what to look for.

• Does your municipality have a sustainability plan? Find out and explore how your library can be a partner. The City of Kingston adopted the "Climate Smart and Green Jobs Community Pledge" and the Kingston Library board followed suit by aligning their priorities and adopting their own "Climate Smart Community Library Pledge" to show support for the city's plans and to prioritize the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through choices made at the library. 
   
• Recycle. If your library is not currently recycling paper, cardboard, aluminum, etc. Start! Find out what your options are to reduce the amount of garbage going into the waste stream  
   
• Appropriately dispose of e-waste (computers, monitors) 
   
• Apply for a NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Energy Audit to identify areas of your facility that could be addressed to reduce energy consumption. A reduction in energy consumption will likely result in a reduction in operating costs. 

• Plan story time crafts that use recycled or found materials.

• Host a NYS Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program at your library. Governor Cuomo launched this program earlier this year: "We want our state's citizens to be the most prepared in the nation for natural disasters as we continue to reimagine New York for a new reality," said Governor Cuomo. "Our first responders displayed incredible skill and dedication during Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee and Hurricane Sandy. Through the Citizen Preparedness Corps, New Yorkers will also be better prepared to help their communities. Our goal of training 100,000 New Yorkers to be their own first responder in their communities will make New York even more equipped to face future challenges." Learn more at http://www.prepare.ny.gov/

Hungry for more? Plan to attend the 2014 NYLA Conference in Saratoga this November where Sustainable Thinking will be spotlighted at multiple conference programs! Can't wait? Contact Rebekkah at rsmith@midhudson.org to talk about a sustainability plan for your library.

PSA Produced for NYLA Thanks to Local Partnership: MHLS would like to thank Public Access Northern Dutchess (PANDA 23,) and Station Manager Danielle Maloney in particular, for their assistance in creating a Public Service Announcement for the New York Library Association (NYLA) during the NYS budget negotiations this year. Thanks also goes to Erica Freudenberger, Director of the Red Hook Public Library and Bonny Corrado, Director of the Tivoli Free Library for making the connections between PANDA and MHLS and for helping facilitate the timely production and delivery of the final product. The PSA features photos from MHLS member libraries who participated in SNAPSHOTNY this year! The PSA was distributed through public access stations statewide to urge library supporters to reach out to Governor Cuomo. We've loaded the PSA on YouTube so you can check it out too!

Don't forget! The NYS Library Trustee Association's Trustee Institute is being held in Tarrytown, NY (Westchester County) this year! "Challenging the Past to Create the Future" at the Westchester Marriot; Tarrytown, NY; May 2 & 3. For more information and to register please visit: http://www.librarytrustees.org/institute.php