The current issue of Public Management has a feature story about public libraries that are partnering with city governments on strategic community-wide initiatives. Two of those featured in the story are of particular interest to ENB readers.
The first is Fayetteville, Arkansas’ Solar Test Bed Project.
In June 2010, Fayetteville Public Library’s Solar Test Bed Project installed 60 solar panels on the library roof, testing new technology in an effort to support emerging local business. The solar energy system is generating electricity and reducing the library’s carbon footprint. A kiosk in the library displays real-time energy production data and provides educational information on solar power.
The solar array will initially provide power to the library using a commercially available inverter. After six months of collecting production data, the library will test a highly efficient state-of-the-art silicon carbide inverter developed by Arkansas Power Electronics International.
The second is Iowa City, Iowa’s Eco Iowa City project.
After suffering a devastating tornado in 2006 and historic flooding in 2008, Iowa City was looking to rebuild greener, with a focus on environmental stewardship. In response, the Iowa City public library partnered with the public works department and others to develop ECO Iowa City, an educational program providing residents with demonstration projects and up-to-date information on sustainability, particularly stormwater management, local foods and compost, smart waste disposal, and energy efficiency.
I find this article inspiring because it shows how profoundly libraries can make a difference in their communities, not just by providing access to information and materials, but by working with other agencies and community organizations. Go us!
