Getting Green at the Wilmette Public Library --

From the Wilmette Public Library 2006 Long Range Plan:
The library will work toward developing a green building and grounds that will serve as a model for the community.

We Use Green Products and Methods

to conserve materials and to keep them being used:

• we recycle about 1,000 pounds of paper, cardboard, metals, glass, aluminum, and plastics per week

• we recycle all fluorescent lamps which includes all of the glass, metal ends, inert gasses and powders in the lamps

• we recycle all print cartridges and out-of-service computer hardware

• we make scratch paper out of used paper and reuse binders, folders, envelopes to their useful end

• we give withdrawn books to the Friends of the Wilmette Library to sell or donate

• we double-side printed material

to light the building:

• we are converting from high wattage/high heat incandescent bulbs (150 watts that last for 4,000 hours) to compact fluorescent bulbs (23 watt “cf” that lasts for 10,000 hours and provides more lumens)

to heat and cool the building:

• we have upgraded to a Digital control heating and air conditioning system which:

  • uses outside air for cooling which lessens the need for mechanical cooling

  • reduces temperature of hot water needed for heating from 195 to 90 degrees

  • provides controlled static pressure in the air ducts by using variable speed blowers

  • allows for variable heating/cooling controls for weekdays, weekends, and holidays

to clean the building

• we use vinegar and water for most cleaning procedures, edible cleansers around food areas and appliances, and unbleached paper towels in washrooms

• we have converted to the truck-mount extraction method for cleaning carpets which uses biodegradable, non-toxic, non-allergenic cleaning agents, efficiently extracts ground-in material, and is gentle on carpet fibers resulting in longer-lasting carpeting

to maintain the grounds

• we use completely organic fertilizer/weed/pesticide compounds on all lawn and shrubs

• we mulch the lawn with grass clippings to re-fortify the grass and reduce yard waste

• we mulch shrubs and borders with wood chips to keep the soil cool, reduce evaporation, and lessen watering

• we use a cordless leaf blower

• we use liquid ice melt rather than salt on snow whenever possible

We Select Green Companies

• our cleaning service uses green products and our contract stipulates that these products must be used whenever possible

• we awarded the 2006 contract for new carpeting to the contractor who provided environmental-impact information about the product; it is pvc free, has substantial recycled content, and is treated to control the growth of micro-organisms

• we have hired a LEED-certified architectural firm to perform a facility study of the primary building systems, including mechanical, plumbing, electrical, roofs and fire protection; the firm’s recommendations will consider green improvements whenever possible

We Encourage Green Transportation

• we are expanding our bike space for patrons from 10 to 34 bikes with the purchase of stainless steel bike racks

Click here for a list of resources compiled by library staff and items in the library's collection.