Green Libraries
A Website for Information about Green and Sustainable Libraries
Green Libraries
monika
USA Green Libraries Directory O - Z
Libraries are arranged alphabetically within each designation.
Entry format:
Name of library (URL). City, State Abbreviation.
Description highlights. If available building information URL.
Oaklyn Branch Library. Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library. Evansville, IN
Opened in the spring of 2003, the Oaklyn is built into the side of a hill and has a flat 17,250-square-foot green roof. The soil from the hill helps the library stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter and the runoff water from the roof drains into a rain garden. Building information:
http://www.evpl.org/aboutus/locations/oa/greenroof.aspxOldham County Public Main Library.LaGrange, Ky
Green elements include a geo-exchange heating and cooling system, a storm management and rainwater catchment system for toilets and irrigation, efficient low voltage artificial lighting fixtures, and monitored air quality in building. The manufactured materials consist of recycled content or renewable resources and will also include post consumer recyclables such as recycled carpet, flooring and furnishings. The Library pursuing LEED silver certification. Building information: http://www.oldhampl.org/newlibfastfact.pdf
Ossining Public Library. Ossining, NY
Uses geothermal energy to heat and cool the building. Sunlight used to provide up to 90 percent of the light needed. Incorporated building materials located withing a 500 mile radius of the library. Used native plants in landscaping that are drought and pest-resistant. Pursuing LEED certification. Building information: http://www.ossininglibrary.org/expansion.aspxPittsfield Branch, Ann Arbor District Library. Ann Arbor, MI
The library building uses recycled material in the roof, walls, window frames, carpet, and insulation. Also incorporates locally produced low energy content concrete masonry, renewable resources, and efficient lighting. The grounds will include native plant species to assist with the restoration and management of the wetlands surrounding Malletts Creek. Building information: http://www.aadl.org/aboutus/newpittsfieldbranchRosemary Garfoot Public Library. Cross Plains, WI
Opened in 2006 the Rosemary Garfoot Public Library is cited as being Wisconsin's first green library building. The 16,500 square-foot building uses an energy efficient design that maximizes access to natural daylight, is guaranteed to provide an annual utility savings of at least 30% over conventional construction and utilizes local and/or recycled materials. The library was constructed using the concept of the Whole Building Design. To educate visitors about the building, the library created a self-guided tour brochure that enables individuals to learn about "green" elements such as rain gardens, cork flooring, waterless urinals and
wheatboard cabinetry. Through a link on the library website, the public has access to an energy kiosk that demonstrates the facility's energy use in real-time. Received LEED Silver certification. Building information: http://www.scls.lib.wi.us/csp/LEEDtour.pdfPortsmouth Public Library. Portsmouth, NH
The Library’s heating, cooling and ventilation system was designed to consume 32.5% less energy than a standard system. The building incorporates natural lighting features to save electricity. Visitors are able to enjoy views to the outside in 90% of the library. Building materials consist of recycled content and low emitting fumes whenever possible. In 2007 the Library was the first municipal building in New Hampshire to receive LEED certification. It received a LEED Silver certification. Building information: http://www.cityofportsmouth.com/newlibrary/index.htm Santa Monica Public Library.Santa Monica, CA
Features include underground parking, solar electric panels, and a storm water management system used to irrigate the drought resistant landscape. More than 50% of the building materials contain significant recycled content. Also includes low-flow restroom faucets and toilets, and the state's first approved no water urinals. Received LEED Gold certification. Building information: http://smpl.org/sustainability.Spanish Peaks Library, Walsenburg, CO
This former Colorado high school building was purchased in 2005 for $200,000 and remodeled into an eco-friendly public library. The library building uses a geothermal system for heating and cooling. The flooring is made of recycled rubber, and contains recycled furniture. Recipient of a Stephen H. Hart Award in 2010. Building information: http://www.chieftain.com/articles/2010/03/15/news/local/doc4b9db578d213a596165433.txt
Utah Valley State College Library, Orem, UT
Scheduled to open July 2008 the UVSC's library is the first building in Utah to be constructed under the High Performance Building program. The library is 65 percent to 90 percent more energy efficient than previously constructed buildings. It is estimated that the library will save $100,000 per year in utility costs. The building includes high-performance glass that lets in light but cuts out heat; motion sensors that shut off lights if the space is unoccupied; a process that uses excess heat to warm other areas of the building; and panels that block light in the summer but allow for warming light in the winter. Building information: http://www.uvsc.edu/library/newbuilding/index.htmlWest Valley Branch Library. San José Public Library System. San José, CA
The website states that the West Valley Branch Library is the first green library in the world to receive LEED certification. The building was designed to use 30% less energy and 50% less irrigation water than standard buildings by incorporating its mature redwood trees into the design and by using a drought-tolerant landscape. More than 25% of the materials used during the construction were made from recycled products, such as soda bottles. It also uses natural day lighting and a variety of chemical-free fabrics and materials to improve the indoor
air quality. Building information: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/esd/natural-energy-
resources/gb-westvalley.htm
Green Libraries
monika
