Congratulations, Patchogue-Medford Public Library!

Patchogue-Medford Public Library in Patchogue, NY, has been certified as a “Sustainable Library” through the award-winning Sustainable Library Certification Program, the first of its kind in the world, through the Sustainable Libraries Initiative and New York Library Association. Patchogue-Medford Public Library will be recognized at the 2021 Annual Conference of the New York Library Association held in Syracuse, NY November 3rd- 6th 2021.

Library Director Danielle Paisley said the following about the process:

“Our Library staff really embraced the process of learning through sustainability. When we realized that making small changes could make such a big difference, the staff were all-in. We appreciated the step-by-step approach of the certification plan. Every month, we worked through a different issue, and with a little extra effort and thought, we were able to start several recycling initiatives. Having Jeri Cohen and the Green Team monitor the wins really served to keep the momentum moving forward. The conversations we had with our Board and our community solidified that we made the right decision to embark on this process. We had support from the PEP (Protecting the Environment in Patchogue) Committee, an organization working towards sustainable initiatives in our Village, too. Upgrading to LED lighting was a heavier lift but has resulted in energy and cost savings. Our latest initiative, replacing the roof, has prepped us for moving forward with a solar project in the future, where we will continue to reduce our carbon footprint. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with NYLA and look forward to a more sustainable future.” Read the full press release below.