Sustainable Library Certification Program

Wilton Public Library is the second library in Iowa to join this program.  Follow our journey here!

What is it?

The Sustainable Libraries Initiative’s Sustainable Library Certification Program (SLCP) provides library leaders with a tested, structured path forward to increase your library’s commitment to the triple bottom line of environmental stewardship, economic feasibility, and social equity.

How does it work?

A Sustainability Team led by staff is created.  Provided are links to resources, examples, and inspiration to decide how to proceed at your library. You will have a “mentor,” someone who has perhaps gone through this program already or helped to design it, who can guide you along the way. You will also have access to a community of practice – your peers who are doing this same work.

The Sustainability Team will work through 12 categories that help align the library's efforts with the triple bottom line:

  • Organizational Commitment
  • Energy
  • Materials Management – Waste & Recycling
  • Materials Management – Purchasing
  • Transportation
  • Land Use
  • Water
  • Collective Impact
  • Social Cohesion
  • Community Resilience
  • Financial Sustainability
  • Collections

Actions within each category provide us with the opportunity to take a closer look at how things are done and/or consumed at your library and provide your team with the opportunity to think differently about how you will proceed on that issue in the future. 

How long does it take?

A typical time frame is 18-24 months to complete the certification.

Where are we in the process?

Currently we have completed 9% of the entire process.

Key Steps completed:

  • Created an initial Sustainability Team
  • Updated library policies to reflect these practices
  • Switched to BPA-Free receipt paper
  • Provide recycling bins
  • Provide reusable library bags
  • Initiated plastic bag recycling program

Next Steps:

  • Library energy & waste audit/water assessment
  • Create a Healthy Indoor Air Quality Plan
  • Facility Assessment and Management Plan
  • Resilience Planning (Emergency Action Plan, Disaster Preparedness and Response, Continuity of Operations, etc.)