Village Green at the New Orleans Public Library

We Will Achieve This By:

• using the libraries as a demonstration of green design and management.
• reaching out to, and developing programs and materials for specific audiences within the city.
• partnering with groups involved in energy efficiency and sustainability issues to promote and enhance their programing.
• developing a central resource located in the New Orleans Public Libraries and our website.
• providing space for presentations and collaborations.
• providing training for staff, local partners, and library and city officials.

Village Green is a pilot library program that helps residents access information, incentives, and services related to energy efficiency and sustainability.

Libraries are the most trusted public institutions and an important partner in the greening of the city. The New Orleans Public Library is building five new libraries, the first new construction since Katrina, and the first to be built to the city’s Green Solutions standards. Equally important as the physical modernization of the library system is the development of programming to reflect the changing but ever important role the library plays in the twenty-first century. Energy efficiency and sustainability programming will be key parts of this transformation. The New Orleans Public Library is proud to be developing a national model of green information access that empowers and affects its citizens.

Installations will feature select books as well as content from many different local sustainability partners. Green building features and practices will be highlighted. Each library will have knowledgeable staff that can help assist visitors. The library's lending capabilities will be put to use in a tool lending library, allowing residents access to tools to assess and upgrade their energy efficiency.

There will be several specific audience targets: Homeowners, Renters, Landlords, Local Businesses, and Public Agencies and Non-Profits. Each audience will have content developed specifically for them, to help them find out the best ways to become more sustainable, and what assistance there is available to do so.

Village Green will also be working closely with partners in sustainability. We will help them network, make the environmental scene more accessible, increase their audience, and help them better address resident's needs. Conference rooms and public space will be made available for meetings and workshops, and resources will be provided to ensure that all events will be run in an eco-conscious manner.