What does sustainability have to do with books, city budgets, and community opportunities for kids and families? A lot, as it turns out. Just take a look at the Monona Public Library, where all of the above come together every day.

Like all of the city resources we’ve come to prize and appreciate about Monona — our police, our fire control, our parks, our pool, our community center, our many city services — the Library has faced increasing budget pressures from rising energy, health insurance, and other costs. As city budgets get tight, these non-program costs take a greater percentage of our annual spending, squeezing the library programs and activities that impact your family, your kids, your neighbors.

In the face of these pressures, making Library operations more sustainable and economical has become a higher priority for all of us. Every nickel we save on energy use or extending building life is a nickel we can spend toward a new book or computer resource, or a program for families and kids. And every nickel we DON’T have to spend tomorrow because of a sustainable choice today is a benefit to our future.

As president of the Monona Public Library, I have been exceptionally proud of our library’s leadership and staff in juggling these challenges with innovation and resolve. In the past year, Library Director Demita Gerber and her fabulous team have taken dozens of steps to save energy and cut costs – adding up to thousands of dollars in savings. These changes have included:

• Rethinking and reprogramming the way they heat and cool the building – ensuring areas not currently in use aren’t heated or cooled as much;
• Replacing faulty equipment and renewing service contracts to ensure that systems are running efficiently and effectively (replacing air filters frequently, for example, saves more than enough in energy to cover the cost);
• Chasing down leaks in the plumbing system to control water waste;
• Adjusting the timing and intensity of lighting inside and out;
• Turning computers and other equipment off when not in use;
• Engaging the whole staff (and our patrons too) in the task.

None of these activities are in the standard job description or academic training for a library professional. But Demita and her team have taken on the extra tasks because they help maintain our essential services today and tomorrow. The library board is also pleased that Demita is playing an active role in Monona’s Sustainability Committee, where some of her innovative work can benefit other elements of city life.

Unfortunately, increased energy awareness and sustainable practice only resolve a fraction of the challenges to come. But they are an important part of a longer term strategy for a vital and engaged public library for today and for tomorrow.

So, the next time you’re checking out a book, browsing the Internet on a library computer, getting advice or insight from a local librarian, or singing along with your kids at a library event, take a moment to thank sustainable practice (and exceptional staff) for supporting, in part, your library experience.

Andrew Taylor is board president of the Monona Public Library, and a member of The Natural Step Monona, a community group dedicated to fostering a more sustainable city.