Call it fashionable or socially responsible, but it seems like everyone is going ‘green? this year and the Oxford Public Library is no exception.
‘Green is the new black,? joked Charli Osborne, head of the library’s teen services.
Although the library’s been engaging in environmentally-friendly practices for the last several years, Director Bryan Cloutier said now’s the time to make the public more aware of the institution’s green efforts.
‘The library is supposed to be on top of these things and in the forefront of these issues,? he said. ‘Why not lead by setting a positive example??
From paper-less technology to recycling/reusing materials to eliminating the use of non-biodegradable items, the township library is working hard each and every day to lessen its impact on the planet.
‘It’s a wonderful thing for the environment and for the community,? Cloutier said.
Online registration
Thanks to software provided by Indiana-based Evanced Solutions, patrons can now visit www.oxford.lib.mi.us to not only view a calendar of library events and programs, but register for them as well.
Gone are the days when patrons had to burn gasoline driving to the library so they could waste paper by filling out registration forms. ‘It’s all done electronically now,? Cloutier said.
And because everything’s done by computer, library staff no longer has to keep patron information and statistics about program participation in print form, which again conserves paper products.
Lots of knowledge, no paper
Electronic databases offer library patrons an easy, efficient way to locate the most recent information without having to search tons of printed materials, which may or may not be on the shelves and could be out-of-date.
‘It also saves in the environment in that we’re not cutting down a bunch of trees to create this massive work of literature,? Cloutier said.
The library offers hundreds of databases through the Michigan eLibrary (MeL), which is paid for by the state, and its own paid-subscriptions to individual databases like RosettaStone (language learning software).
MeL is an anytime, anywhere electronic library for Michigan residents containing magazine, newspaper and journal articles, books and evaluated websites. It includes specialized resources in genealogy, health, business, test preparation, careers and education.
Thanks to data bases, no longer does the library have to purchase and store numerous volumes of printed materials such as Chilton auto repair manuals.
‘We’re trying to move away from these journals that take up space in the library and use up a lot of natural resources,? Cloutier said.
Having all this information stored and updated electronically means the library does not have to get rid of a bunch of printed materials when they go out of date. This is especially true for medical information.
‘When you’re looking at medical information, you want the latest and greatest,? Cloutier said. ‘You want up-to-date current information.?
Before databases, if printed medical journals weren’t recycled, they ended up in land fills because they should not be resold.
‘You wouldn’t sell old medical material because in some cases, it can be dangerous,? Cloutier said.
Hold the memos, please
In old days, interoffice communication was dominated by multiple paper memos, which eventually ended up in the trash.
Now, thanks to electronic mailing lists and private wikis (web pages designed to enable anyone who accesses them to contribute or modify content), the library staff can communicate, plan and collaborate quickly and effectively without creating mountains of paperwork.
‘Not only is it more friendly for the environment, it’s also more productive,? Cloutier said.
‘We’re trying to move the majority of our program planning there,? said Osborne, referring to the wikis.
Both the teen and youth departments already have their own wikis.
Given the library has many part-time employees, Osborne said the wikis are ‘a good way to get them involved? and ‘make sure they get a chance to contribute equally.?
Don’t throw that away!
Everyday the library is finding new ways to recycle and reuse materials rather than burying them to landfills.
Batteries and newspapers are regularly recycled while used toner cartridges are given to the non-profit Family Literacy Center in Lapeer County, which earns money from recycling them.
Books removed from the library collection aren’t pitched in the dumpster, they’re sold to patrons. Likewise, patrons with used books at home can donate them to the library for sale or even placement on the shelves, if they’re needed or wanted.
As part of the teen summer reading program, Osborne said participants will be collecting returnable bottles and cans.
‘With the money that we receive from that, we’re going to buy as many backpacks and school supplies as we can,? she said.
Those, in turn, will be donated to Oxford/Orion FISH as part of its annual back-to-school drive for local kids in need.
Teens in the summer reading program will also have the opportunity to reuse materials this summer in a variety of creative ways.
Old CDs will be transformed into photo albums while used hardcover books ? in too bad of shape to sell ? will be turned into ‘book safes to store personal treasures,? according to Osborne.
‘We’re trying to use materials so they just won’t be tossed,? she said.
Eco-friendly materials only
If it can’t break down naturally in a landfill, the library doesn’t wish to use it.
‘As a general policy, we do not purchase styrofoam products,? Cloutier. ‘We steer away from those.?
The library is working toward eliminating its use of plastic products, which is easier said than done.
‘That’s a little more difficult than one might think, but we’re trying,? Cloutier said.
Future plans
The library is currently looking into recycling its cardboard products such as boxes.
Cloutier said he’s also exploring the installation of ‘energy-efficient? lighting for the building.
‘It’s about being more conscientious about the energy we’re utilizing,? he said. ‘We’re trying to reduce that not just for cost purposes, but also for the environment.?