Libraries and Sustainability: Programs and Practices for Community Impact. René Tanner, Adrian K. Ho, Monika Antonelli, and Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, eds. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions, 2021. 176p. Paper, $49.99 (ISBN: 9780838937945).

Abstract

In 2019, ALA adopted sustainability as one of the core values of librarianship, highlighting the importance of libraries to be resilient in this changing world. The conversation has morphed from merely “thinking green” to adopting the “triple bottom line” view of sustainability. Practices should aim to be environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically feasible to be considered sustainable. This book aims to explore how libraries can address the issues of sustainability, looking into some actions that are proving successful in communities. This collection of essays constitutes a wide view of sustainability, offering myriad ways to promote the library as a leader for sustainable communities. The book is split into four parts: leadership, planning, programming, and transformation. Each section includes ideas that can be implemented at many libraries alongside suggestions that challenge how libraries operate in their communities and how we educate a new generation of librarians.