The Space to be Eco-Friendly

Explore our sustainability and recycling practices and why we embrace being green!

The very nature of library service is sustainability in action: lending books and other materials to community members who use them and then return the items for another person to borrow. It’s an inherently environmentally-friendly operating model that goes beyond just physical materials to include digital resources, library programs, community services, and spaces.

Poudre Libraries is a leader in local sustainability and the space to be eco-friendly!

Gadgets & Things Collection

This popular library collection promotes sustainability and reduces waste. Borrow gadgets for one-time use or short periods rather than buying the item, storing it on a shelf, providing up-keep and maintenance, and perhaps eventually discarding it.

The collection currently contains more than 275 items, from solar lights to telescopes and craft kits to games and puzzles.

Expanding Green Practices

Poudre Libraries has long been a local leader in sustainable practices. We were part of the City of Fort Collins’ ClimateWise program for many years before it ended. We currently participate in the Colorado Green Business Network, a voluntary program that “encourages, supports, and rewards organizations that make the move toward the goal of true, operational sustainability.”

Here are just a few ways Poudre Libraries is expanding our sustainability efforts and reducing our carbon footprint.

Earth-Friendly Activities

From nature-inspired programs to the plant library at Harmony Library to environmental education, Poudre Libraries has many opportunities for you to learn and practice eco-friendly ways. Visit our full calendar of April events.

Energy efficiencies

Energy assessments at our facilities in partnership with NoCoBiz Connect
New lighting upgrade at Old Town Library
Motion-activated lighting installed at various facilities
Low water use toilets at all libraries
Electric vehicle charging station at Harmony Library
Evie, the mobile library, is an all-electric vehicle

Minimize waste

The Library recycled 377 tons of material in 2024!

Recycle bins at all library facilities for materials such as cardboard, catalogs, magazines, cans, and other items
Library staff recycling of materials including laminated paper packaging, soft plastic, scrap metal, toner cartridges, batteries, and other items
Old Town Library is a community drop-off location for 3D print filament recycling
Used books donations to Friends of the Library and resale

Creative Reuse

Withdrawn books taken to local assisted living residences
Withdrawn children’s books taken to various locations such as the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
Withdrawn magazines available for free to the public at the libraries
Withdrawn materials re-used for craft programs throughout the year