In 2009 the Calgary Public Library launched its first three-year eco-action plan. Although the Library has been in the business of “reuse” since 1912, a formalized plan was needed to establish far-reaching targets, provide a framework that was congruent with the organizational culture, and articulate the Library’s commitment to sustainability.

How did we do? Well, a few of our achievements include:

• Implementation of a corporate sponsorship program to engage for-profit businesses in programs, events and services with a goal of “Reaching Calgarians To Engage, Educate And Inspire Action to Create A Sustainable City and World”
• Established eco nooks and eco champs at Library locations
• Hosted a very successful environmentally themed children’s’ summer reading program, Eco Heroes, and connected with over 50,000 school children
• Established the annual Ecopalooza Family Fair (now in its second very successful year!)
• Expanded green programming: in 2010 over 110 green programs were offered at the Library
• Elimination of plastic bags at the checkout, and introduction of a stylish, reusable library bag made of recycled material
• Completed a LEED renovation of Signal Hill Library and aspiring for LEED Gold Saddletowne Library (opening in 2012)
• Recycling expanded to include plastics, batteries, fluorescent and CF lamps and compost
• Energy reduced by over 18% and increasing use of green power
• Paper use decreased by 4% since 2009

This year the Calgary Public Library was very proud to be a finalist for the environmental Emerald Award, sponsored by the Alberta Emerald Foundation. Here is our CEO, Gerry Meek, profiling the Library’s role in greening the community:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNUfBOAFmDk

We are now drafting our eco-action plan for 2012-2014. We are excited about the possibilities, and welcome comments and suggestions from the community.