Patrons have come to count on the computers at their local library to work on their resumes, find need-to-know information, access their e-mail messages and much more.  

Most of the time libraries have desktops. But is there a more eco-friendly option in 2010?

Has your library been operating on auto-pilot with regards to your purchasing decisions by sticking with desktops versus the now often just-as-powerful laptop?

No library is immune. We can all benefit by turning off our auto-pilot, especially in the area of purchasing. 

If your library holds fundraisers, you may want to consider having your next one be a green fundraiser. Initially marketed to schools, churches, charities, and sport teams, there is no reason libraries can’t join the bandwagon.

What differentiates a green fundraiser from a conventional one? Right off the bat, I can think of three ways:

I love newsletters! Always have, always will!

Done right, library newsletters can ignite a patron’s interest in your programs, educate patrons about the remarkable depth and breadth of resources that your library holds in store for them each and every day, and can even help to bring in needed funds and donations.

Right now, there are a handful of libraries that have gone green by completing eliminating hard copy, postal-service-delivered versions of their newsletter in favor of an electronic version. It seems likely that this trend will continue.