25 Ready-To-Use Sustainable Living Programs for Libraries

Editor Kroski (director of information technology and marketing, New York Law Inst.; Law Librarianship in the Age of AI) has curated a collection of sustainable-living programs in response to increased patron interest in sustainability and self-reliance topics. These programs are designed mainly for public and school libraries and fall into four main categories: gardening, food preservation, crafts, and homesteading. The formats of the programs range from lectures to take-home projects to in-library programs for a variety of budgets. Each chapter contains an introduction to the program, cost considerations, and an overview of the project, including recommended staffing and program length, equipment and materials, step-by-step instructions, and recommendations for next projects. Helpfully, each chapter includes a table which notes the program’s recommended age range, type of library, and estimated costs, for easy reference. The book recognizes that these sorts of programs may be new to library workers, and the step-by-step instructions are targeted towards beginners. Additionally, many chapters contain talking points, learning objectives and points to emphasize, particularly pertaining to safety concerns.