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Princeton Public LIbrary

Business Information
Name of Organization: 
Princeton Public LIbrary
Organization Type: 
Nonprofit
Business Description: 
The Princeton Public Library is the heart of a vibrant and civically engaged community; a place where people celebrate words, ideas and community every day. With its prime downtown location adjacent to Hinds Plaza and the Spring Street Garage, the library is ideally situated to welcome thousands of people each day. A world-class collection, expert staff and thousands of engaging programs each year mean that everyone can find something at the library. For more than 100 years, the Princeton Public Library has been changing the lives of Princeton residents.
Contact Person: 
Kim Dorman
Business Location: 
See map: Google Maps
Website: 
www.princetonlibrary.org
Renewal Date: 
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Management and Leadership
Identify Sustainability Leader
Description of Action: 
In October 2014, Princeton Public Library created a 'Green Team". The team was made up of members from across the library who acted as ambassadors to their departments. Each ambassador was tasked with identifying ways in which their department could make ‘greener choices’ and to bring their departments ideas and goals back to the team so that we could identify library wide solutions. The team conducted a survey to ascertain what people's knowledge and practices were of environmental actions. We asked everyone to share their vision for what a more sustainable world and library would look like. We led initiatives on recycling and offered classes once a month, and led walks around town during lunch. During the staff Day of 2015 library staff made a list of initiatives that we could undertake as a library. In preparation for the Business Registry application the team was pleased to see that many of the goals set at that time have been accomplished and we are looking forward to setting new goals, including adopting an environmental policy statement.
Waste
Waste Recycling
Description of Action: 
Many staff in the library work hard to reduce or reuse the items that come into our possession. When that is not possible, staff are encouraged to divert waste from landfill through recycling or composting.
Lbs Saved: 
900
Energy
Energy Efficiency
Description of Action: 
Between 2015-2017 the library undertook a number of energy efficiency measures. All of the toilets and sinks in the public restrooms are now operated by light sensors. All offices and ancillary spaces in the library have lights that are operated by Motion Sensors. When we renovated the second floor in 2017, LED lights were installed throughout the floor and LED lights are being replaced throughout the building as appropriate.
kWh Saved: 
100
Transportation
Fleet Vehicles
Description of Action: 
We use a 'library vehicle' to collect books from book drops, and other light library use. We used to have a standard gasoline only vehicle and purchased a Ford C Max hybrid vehicle at the very end of 2014. In 2014 we spent $732.41 on gas and in the first year of using the vehicle we only spent $397.14. The numbers provided below are not for the last 12 months
Money Saved: 
335
Water
Water Conservation
Description of Action: 
Between 2015 and 2017 we converted all public sinks to become more water efficient, they are all hand activated. All public bathrooms now have dual flush, water efficient toilets.
Emergency Preparedness
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Description of Action: 
Our Building Manager, Human Resources Director and others worked together to create our "Emergency Procedures Manual". The 31 page manual was completed in October of 2017 and presented to the staff on our "Staff Day" in December 2017. The Table of Contents is attached.
Upload Document(PDF Only): 
PDF icon Princeton Public Library Emergency Procedures Manual Table of Contents.pdf
Community
Support Community Initiatives
Description of Action: 
The Princeton Public Library is not only centrally located but we work hard to be a hub for our community and community partners. We work with a variety of local organizations, business and groups to support our thriving community. One of the groups that we have a regular partnership with is Sustainable Princeton. We work with them to host 5-7 public programs a year. These programs cover local, national and global initiatives. Our most recent program with Sustainable Princeton was in December: Princeton’s Sustainability Progress Report: Where Do We Stand and Where Do We Go From Here? In addition to this we have helped with several other initiatives. Indeed, when Sustainable Princeton first strove to have Princeton Businesses register for the Sustainable Business Registry on July 7, 14, and 28th of 2015. We are also working with them on the Climate Action Plan.
Community Other
Description of Action: 
One of our largest public programs is the Princeton Environmental Film Festival (PEFF). In 2018 the festival will be entering its 12th consecutive year as a hub for environmental education and enrichment. From 2007 to 2017 PEFF hosted 135 days of programming (films and other special events) with an approximate attendance of 60,350. The Princeton Environmental Film Festival’s mission is to share exceptional documentary films and engage our community in exploring environmental sustainability from a wide range of angles and perspectives.
Finished Application: 
1
required_descriptions: 
7
Member Since: 
Thursday, January 25, 2018

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