Sustainability
We envision a world in which individuals, families and communities thrive when they have access to information, resources, learning environments and library services that respect the triple bottom line of social equity, economic feasibility, and environmental stewardship.
The Mid-Hudson Library System is the first public library system in the country to be certified through the Sustainability Libraries Initiative’s award-winning Sustainable Library Certification Program.
This rigorous certification program involved 140+ action items in twelve categories* to embed a commitment to sustainability throughout our organization.
- Press Release
- Final Presentation
- The Library of Local Project
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resources for Member Libraries
- Fine Free Libraries
- Related Policies
- MHLS Online Catalog: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
- Member libraries enrolled in the Sustainable Library Certification Program:
- Sustainability in Libraries: A Call to Action
- Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library (Cold Spring)
- Desmond-Fish Public Library (Garrison)
- Kinderhook Memorial Library
- Mahopac Public Library
- Patterson Library
- Phoenicia Library
- Saugerties Public Library
- Town of Esopus Library
- Town of Ulster Library
*This program helps our organization take action in twelve categories:
- Organizational Commitment
- Energy
- Materials Management – Waste & Recycling
- Materials Management – Purchasing
- Transportation
- Land Use
- Water
- Partnerships
- Community Involvement
- Social Equity & Resiliency
- Financial Sustainability
- Collections
We are proud of our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, ensure that our workplace, services and programs respects equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to continue our dedication to good fiscal stewardship of the public dollars entrusted to our organization.
