Published on February 6, 2024
For Immediate Release
February 6, 2024
Laura Silver, the first NYC Public School Librarian to achieve certification through the Sustainable Library Certification Program!
The Sustainable Libraries Initiative recognizes Laura Silver as a leader in sustainability
Suffolk County, NY – February 6, 2024 - Laura Silver, School Librarian at PS 90 The Magnet School for Environmental Studies and Community Wellness located in Brooklyn, NY has been certified sustainable through the award-winning Sustainable Library Certification Program.
Laura Silver is the first NYC Public School Librarian to achieve certification through the Sustainable Library Certification Program, an achievement amongst many for her personally but one that she holds in high regard because of the lasting impact it has provided her. While going through the certification process, Laura took the opportunity to challenge herself professionally in many ways. As an eternal learner, she decided as part of the certification process and for fun, in July 2023, to visit other SLI member libraries of eastern Long Island by bike. She began in Greenport(Floyd Memorial), then went to Shelter Island, and finally Southold.
Laura’s Mentor while going through the certification program, Dr. Jen Cannell made the following statement about Laura’s achievement on becoming a Certified Sustainable Librarian:
“Laura has exceeded my expectations for this program. She has collaborated with others to create unique and authentic learning opportunities for her students. One of the many exciting outcomes of Laura’s participation in this program is that her students have had an opportunity to realize their place within their community and understand the impact they can have through their actions. Laura is a leader through her work and has invited others to join her in achieving the principles embedded in the Sustainable Libraries Initiative.”
The comprehensive Sustainable Library Certification Program for School Librarians requires each member to work through five categories: Community Involvement, Leading Beyond the Library, Social Equity and Resiliency, Standards and Curriculum, and Collections. These categories all cover aspects of the key elements of the Triple Bottom Line of sustainability adopted by the Sustainable Libraries Initiative; environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically viable. Program members work through both required and recommended actions to identify those that are most beneficial to their libraries and that best tell their stories of sustainability practices.
One required Action Item that comprises the certification program asks participants to build relationships with community members and local businesses to further the mission of the school and library. Laura facilitated an impressive partnership between the local branch of the Brooklyn Public Library librarians, classroom teachers, public library staff, and her community. First, Laura had her students create zines based on ocean research. She then used this lesson as a way for students to gather facts, compile information, and share a call to action. The zines were then displayed at the Coney Island branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, along with a mural of ocean creatures made by 3K and Pre-K students, for the public to view.
Laura invites students to set up displays to honor cultures, languages and identities. She developed a New Americans corner, not only for her students to use but complete with resources for their family members. Available resources include information for citizenship exams and resources for language learning. And that’s just the beginning. Laura has led parent multi-lingual workshops to promote reading, and the use of the Citywide Digital Library on Sora.
“Participating in the Sustainable Library Certification Program helped me spark new partnerships, reimagine student projects and keep weeded books out of the waste stream. I’m excited to continue this work and to keep honing my practice as a sustainable librarian.” Laura Silver commented on how going through the certification process provided her with an opportunity to connect with her community and also help her professionally recognize her values and plan for more opportunities in the future.”