Brownell is working to make sustainability a cornerstone of our operation. Sustainability is a key focus of our 2026-2030 strategic plan, working to “foster a balanced and environmentally conscious organizational culture by clarifying goals, tasks, and internal boundaries, while aligning staffing, community support, and fiscal responsibility”

We are also working towards our certificate in the Sustainable Libraries Initiative. This initiative works toward “empowering library leaders to advance environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically feasible practices to intentionally address climate change and co-create thriving communities.”. We are 51% of the way through the program.

There are many ways for the public to participate and take advantage of this work. The library participates in a battery recycling program that allows patrons to drop off their old batteries. There are also ongoing and seasonal swaps for puzzles, sewing patterns, yarn, fabric, costumes, and toys and we host a Repair Cafe twice a year.