HomeCarnegie Cares: Sustainability Initiative

Carnegie Cares: Sustainability Initiative

Posted on November 29, 2019

In May of 2019 the American Library Association added sustainability as a core value of librarianship and urged libraries to act as catalysts and inspire future generations to reach solutions that are both sensible and essential to sustaining life on this planet. The Eureka Springs Carnegie Library has been examining and making positive changes to its services and procedures in order to reduce it’s environmental footprint and demonstrate to our youngest patrons a commitment to their future.

Changes in Operations & Procedures

  • Optimal power saving settings on our computers
  • Biodegradable garbage bags in our trash bins
  • DVDs and CDs that are damaged beyond repair are disposed of through the CD Recycling Center of America
  • Staff participate in a voluntary rotation to launder kitchen towels and aprons
  • Real dishes (not disposables) are used for snacks at most library programs
  • Toilet paper, paper towels, & tissues are sourced from brands that use recycled paper products, NOT virgin pulp

Programs on Sustainability

  • Spring 2019: Native Plants presentation
  • Spring 2021: Seed Library
    Free heirloom veggie & native plant seeds
  • Fall 2021: Repair Cafe program TBA
  • Slow Stitch Club meets every Wednesday in Library Garden at 1pm.

Library Upgrades

Spring 2021- Carnegie Library upgraded fluorescent lighting to LED fixtures with help from SWEPCO incentive program.
Solar shades help keep heat out in summer and insulate in winter.