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Sustainability Committee
MISSION STATEMENT
The New Hampshire Library Association Sustainability Committee provides resources and opportunities to NHLA members that educate and support initiatives related to sustainability in libraries.
We want to hear from you! Take a moment to fill out our survey to help us determine what to focus on in 2026! | Upcoming meetings and events: 2026: New date and time! First Tuesday of the month from 1-2pm. |
Grant Opportunity:
Deadline March 10
Sustainable & Resilient New England Libraries GrantApplications are now open! |
Requirements include:
- Libraries must be in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont.
- Libraries serving populations meeting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) definition of a small and/or rural library
- Grants must be used for facility improvements or outreach and programming activities that provide the library with sustainability and build resilience. Grant funds may be used to support costs associated with fundraising initiatives.
- Sample projects include weatherization, ADA compliance updates, sustainable facility certification, improvements to library green spaces, community events focused on sustainability, and staff efforts to support the diversification of local library funding needs.
- Libraries selected for funding may use the grant for one-time, non-renewable projects.
- For more inquiries, please visit the Grant FAQ.
To apply, visit the ARLS website.
A couple of Sustainability Committee members have used this grant to improve their libraries. Brittany Durgin says that for two years the Moultonborough Public Library has received $15,000 from this grant to update old air handlers that use a refrigerant that has been restricted by the EPA. See other success stories and a list of which libraries have received a grant in the past on their website.COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT
RESOURCES
- Sustainability Book Chats: Youth Programming Growing Communities Stich and Fix Swap Events and Programs Lending DIY Kits Sustaining Yourself at Work Sustainable Titles for Book Clubs
- ALA: Sustainability and Libraries
- Sustainable Libraries BINGO Card
- Evaluating vendor swag, also useful for SRP prizes
- Sustainability Reading Recommendations
- Beyond Light Bulbs and Solar Panels: Triple Bottom Line and Sustainability in Libraries, with Rebekkah Smith Aldrich and Annemarie Gordon
- Funding Through New Hampshire Community Development Finace Authority with Scott Malanksy
- Read through Earth Month with Joan Griffin's currated reading lists
Read past issues of the newsletter here:
| CONTACT INFORMATION For questions, contact: nhlasustainability@nhlibrarians.org Co-Chairs:
Members:
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