Environmentally-Friendly Libraries

The only thing better than a cool library is a cool library that is eco-friendly, right? So for National I Love My Library Month, here’s a tour of some of the greenest libraries in the US. Each of these libraries is LEED certified.

1. City of Scottsdale Appaloosa Branch Library – Scottsdale, Arizona

Notable sustainable features: 

1. More than 95% of construction waste was recycled.
2. Most landscaping requires no irrigation.
3. Automatically adjusted daylighting brings in natural light throughout the day without overheating the building.

2. Battery Park City Library – New York, New York

Notable sustainable features: 

• Floors made from reclaimed wood
• Carpets made from recycled tires
• Non-toxic paints
• Low-water use fixtures in bathrooms.

3. Hillsdale Branch Library – Portland, Oregon

Notable sustainable features: 

• Reused materials from the deconstruction of previous library building
• Sustainably–grown wood used throughout building
• Advanced materials on exterior walls and roof reduce cooling needs.d

4. Sun Valley Branch Library – Los Angeles, California

Notable sustainable features: 

1. Concrete Masonry reduces energy requirements
2. Extensive daylighting
3. On-water management system
4. Site selection and building orientation reduces energy requirements

5. Elk River Library – Elk River, Minnesota

Notable sustainable features: 

• Landscape design significantly reduces water usage
• Recycled building materials
• Highly efficient heating, cooling, and ventilating systems