[SLI-Newsletter] SLI June 2022 Newsletter

Wed Jun 1 11:58:10 EDT 2022

 <https://sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/media/document/208> 

Sustainable Libraries Initiative Newsletter 

June 2022

Congratulations, Haverstraw King's Daughters Public Library

HKDPL <https://www.haverstrawlibrary.org/>  is the latest library to be
certified through our award-winning Sustainable Library Certification
Program
<https://sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/news/congratulations-haverstraw-
kings-daughters-public-library> . They are the eleventh public library to
become certified and one of 60 public libraries that are part of our
program. Library Director, Claudia Depkin, has been involved with the
Sustainable Libraries Initiative from the beginning. As part of the initial
working group that shaped this organization, Claudia knew that the choice to
adopt the Triple Bottom Line
<https://sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/about-us/faq>  definition of
sustainability for the program would mean that every part of library
operations would be affected by the certification process.

The staff and administration were highly engaged with the process. All of
the staff who were surveyed recognized that moving the library to act
sustainably was an important goal. The challenges of the pandemic may have
slowed them down, but as they worked to draft a new strategic plan along
with their SLCP Certification, they were able to take the time to assess
their services and listen closely to their community. They were able to
reach out deeper into the community and have the time for the message of
partnership to spread farther to different organizations. "We were able to
get the message out that we are a willing and able partner," says Claudia,
"and groups are stepping forward to work with us in these incredibly
meaningful ways that will positively impact our residents."

HKDPL has established programs that bring therapy dogs to a home for
disabled people. Through this program, they are bringing new library
services and specialized programs to meet the needs of residents who may not
otherwise be able to benefit from the library's services. They are also
working with the Westchester Mental Health Association to provide space for
their mobile mental health vehicle, bringing free mental health services to
library patrons. This innovative service shows the community that the
library can connect people to vital services, and in this case with a
convenient access point right on the library property. Additionally, HKDPL
is working with the 9th Judicial District Family Court to provide space for
community members to attend virtual court hearings. Helping their residents
access government services in new ways benefits the library by expanding the
community's notion of services. This benefits the community by providing a
safe space with reliable internet to residents who need access to judicial
services. 

The environmental portion of their certification was completed in 2019 with
Green Business Partnership Certification. The HKDPL Green Team has shared
environmentally sustainable tips among the administration, staff, and
community. Their existing solar panels have reduced their purchased
electricity costs and greenhouse gas emissions. They have upgraded to LED
light fixtures and installed auto-on-off lighting sensors in bathrooms.
Additionally, they have reduced the volume of waste in their dumpster by
half.  They installed signs outside of the library prohibiting vehicles from
idling. Their purchase plans include buying EnergyStar-rated electronics to
replace any machines that are taken out of service. All of these steps add
up to a significant reduction in their environmental footprint. 

The staff at HKDPL will continue to work towards environmental
sustainability, social equity, and economic feasibility. The triple bottom
line concept is woven through their 2022-2024 strategic plan. Working
concurrently on a strategic plan and SLCP Certification helped to formalize
the commitments HKDPL has made to listen to their community and integrate
the work done to move more sustainable practices into the programs,
outreach, and information shared. Library Director, Claudia Depkin will
continue to be active with the Sustainable Libraries Initiative as a mentor
for public libraries in the Sustainable Library Certification Program.

Workplace Wellness Webinar

The Sustainable Libraries Initiative is presenting a webinar on the topic of
wellness in the workplace. This presentation will include a discussion
within the scope of the Triple Bottom Line and a panel discussion with
practical and accessible examples of libraries bringing wellness initiatives
to their staff and communities. Please join us Monday, July 18th at 11 am
EST. Register here
<https://sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/event/workplace-wellness> .

Member News

We have three new libraries signed up to participate in the SLCP this month.
Each of these libraries joins an active group of member libraries who
support the work of the SLI and each other. Harrison Public Library
<https://www.harrisonpl.org/>  joins us from the Westchester Library System
in New York. Kirkland Town Library <https://www.kirklandtownlibrary.org/>
are beginning the custom SLI Benchmarks after completing their environmental
certification from the Green Business Partnership in 2019. Northport-East
Northport Public Library <https://www.nenpl.org/>  join us from Northport,
NY and are part of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System. We also welcome a
new Member, Frederick Stoss from the University at Buffalo.

Sustainability Spotlight

This year's Collaborative Summer Reading Program theme is "Oceans of
Possibilities." This is a great opportunity to provide education about ocean
health and the effects of pollution and climate change. The following
resources are a great place to start:

Plastic Pollution Coalition <https://plasticpollutioncoalition.org/> 

How to talk to your kids about plastic pollution
<https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2018/5/3/how-to-talk-to-your
-kids-about-plastic-pollution-cartoons-books-and-activities-to-involve-the-w
hole-family> 

World Ocean Day <https://worldoceanday.org/> 

World Ocean Day for Schools 2022 <https://worldoceanday.school/> 

NOAA: Understanding Marine Debris
<https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/our-work/education/kids-and-families> 

5 Things you can do to teach young children about the impact of plastic on
the ocean <https://seewhatgrows.org/kids-can-help-keep-plastic-ocean/> 

Upcoming Events

SLCP Member Meetup
<https://sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/event/slcp-meetup-23> . Thurs,
June 2nd, 11 am EST.

New Hampshire Library Association Sustainability Committee Presents: Beyond
Lightbulbs and Solar Panels <https://nhla38.wildapricot.org/event-4823632>
*. Tues, June 7th, 10 am EST (*Open to all, there is a fee to attend)

PLA Webinar: Libraries as climate resilience hubs: Working with your
community to take action to build resilience
<https://www.ala.org/pla/education/onlinelearning/webinars> . Weds, July
13th, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm EST

SLI Workplace Wellness Webinar
<https://sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/event/workplace-wellness> . Mon
July 18th, 11 am EST

Niche Academy: Free Webinar: Sustainable Thinking for the Future of
Libraries
<https://www.nicheacademy.com/sustainable-thinking-for-the-future-of-librari
es?hsCtaTracking=66054e5c-2b28-4fd6-b862-c34ba8d88156%7C16537b13-57a7-4c00-a
64d-d0e46ed762d0> . Weds, July 20th, 2 pm EST

 <https://sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/> 

Annemarie Gordon

Sustainability Coordinator

Suffolk Cooperative Library System
<https://portal.suffolklibrarysystem.org/> 

sliadmin at suffolknet.org <mailto:sliadmin at suffolknet.org> 

631-286-1600 x1355

 <https://sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/> 

Annemarie Gordon

Sustainability Coordinator

Suffolk Cooperative Library System
<https://portal.suffolklibrarysystem.org/> 

sliadmin at suffolknet.org

631-286-1600 x1355

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