Going Green at the Galena Public Library

We Use Green Products

            To conserve materials and re-use them:

·        We recycle paper, cardboard, metals, glass, aluminum, and plastics

·        We recycle all compact fluorescent light bulbs

·        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 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 use automatically controlled and timed thermostats 

            To clean the building:

·         We use Green products when and wherever possible

            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 ref-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 potassium chloride ice melt rather than salt on snow whenever possible

We Select Green Companies

·        Our window cleaning service uses green products whenever possible

We Encourage Green Transportation

·        We have bike racks in the front and the back of the Library for our patrons to use

We Encourage our patrons to recycle

·        We work closely with the University of Illinois Extension to provide a directory of recyclables as well as a schedule for Household Hazardous Waste disposal opportunities

·        We also furnish a list of locally collected recyclables through the city of Galena