Welcome to Green Libraries

A website dedicated to documenting the greening of libraries in the United
States and beyond.
This site is frequently being updated.  Check back to see the growing list of
libraries that are creating more environmental friendly and sustainable institutions.
 This site also contains a list of green resources for assisting libraries who are
interested in becoming green.

What makes a Library Green?  There are numerous things libraries can do to
become greener.  Some examples are:
Use renewable energy resources such as solar, wind and geothermal
Conserve non-renewable energy and scarce materials
Reduce human exposure to hazardous materials
Implement pedestrian friendly design elements
Support access to alternative transportation like mass transit and bicycles
Green Libraries Web Site is Under Construction

Over the summer I will be working on updating the list of green library buildings in
the United States.  I also am interested in hearing about green library programs or
programs focusing on issues of community sustainability being hosted by libraries.  
There are some very creative and interesting programs being presented and I want
to make sure the word gets out about them.  --
Monika Antonelli
Green Libraries
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For more information about why libraries should go green, see "Why Build
Green?" from the Rocky Mountain Institute and also Why Build Green? from the
U.S.  Enivornmental Protection Agency.
Green Library Spotlight  
Utah Valley State College Library, Orem, UT.
Scheduled to open July 2008 the UVSC's library is the first building in Utah to be
constructed under the High Performance Building program.  The library is 65 percent
to 90 percent more energy efficient than previously constructed buildings. It is
estimated that the library will save $100,000 per year in utility costs. The building
includes high-performance glass that lets in light but cuts out heat; motion sensors
that shut off lights if the space is unoccupied; a process that uses excess heat to
warm other areas of the building; and panels that block light in the summer but allow
for warming light in the winter.
http://www.uvsc.edu/library/newbuilding/index.html