What is sustainability?

In its simplest form, sustainability ensures that current needs are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In libraries, this practice encompasses the Triple Bottom Line approach, embodying practices that are Environmentally Sound, Socially Equitable, and Economically Feasible.

Sustainability & CLPL

In February 2025, the Clear Lake Public Library began the Sustainable Library Certification Program through the Sustainable Library Initiative. This program is the first of its kind in the world and was developed to create opportunities to make better choices on behalf of the local and global community.

This page will be updated as we work through some sustainability efforts behind the scenes at the library. Check back often to see our progress!

What we’ve done:

• Ability to email check-out receipts rather than print (May 2018)
• Started a Community Seed Library in collaboration with Central Gardens of North Iowa (April 2022)
• Created a Library of Things (August 2022)
• Planted native plants (Fall 2024)
• Eliminated single-use kitchen supplies in staff areas (Fall 2024)
• Installed an additional bike rack (Spring 2025)
• Implemented a Sustainability Policy (March 2025) Read it: Sustainability_March2025

What we’re doing:

• Upgrading to LED light fixtures (and recycling old fluorescents!)
• Ongoing recycling programs (find more information below)
• Recycling toner cartridges
• Waste & energy audits
• Staff training

What we plan to do:

• Add a rain barrel to water outdoor plants
• Create a sustainable purchasing policy
• Increase recycling throughout facility
• Install a bike repair station
• Increase gardening programming to support the community seed library
• Update disaster preparedness plans

What you can do:

• Recycle ink cartridges (upstairs desk)
• Recycle batteries (upstairs desk)
• Bring a reusable water bottle (fill it in the lobby!)
• Utilize the Library of Things rather than purchasing an item for one time use