Libraries Play Role in Environmental Stability

GUILDERLAND, NY (04/21/2014) (readMedia)-- April 22, 2014 marks Earth Day, an International celebration in support of environmental preservation. Environmental stability branches beyond our parks and lakes. Libraries can make a positive impact on the environment as well. In February, the New York Library Association's Council adopted the Resolution on the Importance of Sustainable Libraries.

Library leaders have a mandate to ensure future access to economical library services.

The Resolution states, "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."

"Sustainability in libraries go beyond a new building, as this is not in the future for many libraries around the state," Jeremy Johannesen, NYLA Executive Director stated. "From energy and waste stream audits, to purchasing policies and technology implementation, every library in New York has an opportunity to think sustainably and promote the good choices they make every day that save public dollars and address healthy living."

On this Earth Day, find out how your local library can be a partner, and help ensure a safer future for generations of library patrons to come.

Click here to read the Resolution in its entirety, visit http://bit.ly/RFy2dh.

The New York Library Association (NYLA) is the voice of the library community in New York. NYLA is the oldest state library association in the country and represents school, college, special and public libraries, library staff, trustees, and students from around the state.

NYLA is the only statewide organization dedicated to advocating on behalf of all libraries and library staff in Albany and serves as the spokesperson on library matters to the media and public policymakers.