The Ellsworth Public Library has joined the Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI) program alongside eight other Maine public libraries, primarily in Hancock County. As part of this forward-thinking cohort, we’re implementing environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically viable practices throughout our library operations. Our sustainable libraries initiative focuses on energy efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable materials, and community education programs.
SLI is a nonprofit organization that empowers libraries to adopt environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically viable practices. Through its certification program, SLI provides libraries with tools and guidance to create greener, more resilient communities. The program specifically focuses on a variety of library operations like energy efficiency, materials, financial sustainability, collections, indoor, outdoor spaces, and more.
Maine Libraries Leading Sustainability Efforts
As one of nine Maine libraries participating in the Sustainable Libraries Initiative, Ellsworth Public Library represents Hancock County’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Our library’s sustainability goals align with the American Library Association’s core value of sustainability. We are excited to be part of a program that spans 200 libraries across the U.S. and Canada.
Each participating library will pursue its own sustainability goals—ranging from energy efficiency and waste reduction to educational programming and community resource sharing. Hazel Onsrud, SLI Mentor and Adult Services Librarian at Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick, added, “Maine libraries are leaders in sustainability—caring deeply about economic feasibility, social equity, and environmental responsibility. I’m thrilled to see their efforts recognized through this program.”
The Triple Bottom Line Framework
We are committed to reducing our impact on the environment by embracing the American Library Association (ALA) core value of sustainability.
In adopting sustainability as a core value of librarianship, the ALA recognizes the findings in the latest report of the United National Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Learn more about the IPCC here.). The report, written and edited by 91 scientists from 40 countries who analyzed more than 6,000 scientific studies, found that the immediate consequences of climate change are far more dire than originally predicted, calling for a transformation of the world economy at a speed and scale that has “no documented historic precedent.”
In 2019 the ALA made a commitment to the “triple bottom line” framework for sustainability as recommended by the ALA Special Task Force on Sustainability. This tripod consists of developing practices that are environmentally sound, economically feasible, and socially equitable.
EPL: Committed to a Greener Future
We have identified the following goals as it works to develop the triple bottom line to support its commitment to sustainability:
- To be an example of sustainable practices for the community, using technology and methodologies that are both effective and economically feasible.
- To educate community members as to how they can adopt sustainable practices and support the need to address climate change.
- To reduce the carbon footprint of Ellsworth Public Library over the next three years so that the library is as close to carbon neutral as possible by 2029, if not sooner.
- To support social equity in our community, understanding that social equity or environmental justice (the fair treatment and involvement of all people and communities – regardless of race, gender, national origin, or income level) is completely in line with the core values of librarianship defined by the ALA.
In April 2026, the Board of Trustees adopted new sustainability and purchasing policies (see the meeting minutes here).
We will keep you updated as we move forward through this program!
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