For Immediate Release
March 27, 2025

Co-Founders of the Sustainable Libraries Initiative Featured in the American Libraries Sustainability Issue 
Sustainable Libraries Initiative co-founders Rebekkah Smith Aldrich and Matthew Bollerman are highlighted in American Libraries Magazine’s special sustainability issue.

Suffolk County, NY –March 27, 2025 – The sustainability-focused March/April 2025 issue of American Libraries magazine features both Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI) co-founders, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich and Matthew Bollerman, as they share insights on the role of libraries in building resilient communities and taking the lead on sustainability work. 

"The Sustainable Libraries Initiative has been proud to work with the American Library Association on many projects," said SLI President Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, "it is wonderful AL raises the profile of the work of so many library professionals highlighted in this important publication."

Aldrich authored an article (pages 36-37) that emphasizes the importance of embracing sustainable practices in the library profession—especially the human aspect of the work—while aligning with ALA’s adoption of sustainability as a core value to uplift communities and protect them in the face of accelerating climate change. 

Staying true to the SLI’s mission of empowering library leaders to advance environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically feasible practices to intentionally address climate change and co-create thriving communities, the co-founders continue to champion sustainability efforts for libraries on an international scale.

Bollerman is featured in a panel interview written by Emily Udell (pages 26-33) on the role of sustainability in library leadership. He shares how libraries can get involved, take responsibility, and be better equipped to overcome challenges in our changing world. 

"The Sustainability Issue of American Libraries shares the history of libraries work on this important topic and serves to inspire those in the field who see the intersection between libraries, the community they serve and the changes our world presents to each of us. I was honored to be a part of their reporting," said SLI Vice-President Matthew Bollerman. 

Being given this platform to advocate for sustainable practices, and the benefits they bring to libraries and their communities, exemplifies the value in strong, sustainably-conscious leadership and the growing impact of the SLI’s collection of resources and certification programs.

About the Sustainable Libraries Initiative

The Sustainable Libraries Initiative is a member-driven organization that empowers library professionals to be leaders in triple-bottom-line sustainability (environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic feasibility) both within their organizations and in their communities. The Sustainable Library Certification Program is now enrolling public and academic libraries, library systems, and school librarians.