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 Library Spotlight  - Rosemary Garfoot Public Library

Rosemary Garfoot Public Library. Cross  Plains, WI.
Opened in 2006 the Rosemary Garfoot Public Library is cited as being  Wisconsin's
first green library building.  The 16,500 square-foot  building uses an energy efficient
design that maximizes access to natural  daylight, is guaranteed to provide an
annual utility savings of at least  30% over conventional construction and utilizes
local and/or recycled  materials. The library was constructed using the concept of the
Whole Building  Design.  To educate visitors about the building, the library created a  
self-guided tour brochure that enables individuals to learn about  "green" elements
such as rain gardens, cork flooring, waterless urinals and  wheatboard cabinetry.  
Through a link on the library website, the public has access to an energy kiosk that
demonstrates the facility's  energy use in real-time. Received LEED Silver
certification.
http://www.scls.lib.wi.us/csp/LEEDtour.pdf
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.
Design Institute 2007 — Going Green

Library Journal's Design Institute is offering a free all day "Going Green" seminar on
December 11, 2007.   The seminar will focus on the latest developments in green
building design, address concerns about costs, and reveal cutting-edge solutions
that have currently been adopted by libraries.

The program will also provide hands-on sessions for librarians and planners.  
Attendees will focus on specific design challenges based on projects submitted in
advance by participant librarians. While the challenges selected may not focus
solely on going green, the results will incorporate green solutions into the design.

Limited to 100 invitees, the seminar is aimed at those who are considering a new
building project or renovation, in the fund raising or pre-bond stage, or in the early
building process.

    DATE
    December 11, 2007

    TIME
    9AM – 7PM

    LOCATION
    Harold Washington Library Center
    Chicago Public Library
    400 S. State Street
    Chicago, IL 60605
    There is no fee to attend this event.

For more information go to the Library Journal Design Institute 2007 website:
http://www.libraryjournal.com/info/CA6482954.html