Sustainability at Our Core
Sustainability is a promise we make to future generations that libraries will continue to be cornerstones of community life and prosperity. Recognized as a core value of our profession, sustainability is one of the five essential values guiding our work and decisions to balance environmental stewardship, societal well-being, and economic feasibility.
Aldo Leopold, a writer born in my hometown and a pioneer in modern conservation, once wrote, “We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” His words resonate powerfully with our work in libraries. Just as we are stewards of the natural world, we are stewards of our libraries—spaces that do not simply belong to us, but to which we belong. When we treat libraries as communities rather than commodities, we serve with love and respect, ensuring they remain strong, welcoming, and sustainable for all.
From choosing local vendors for events to designing new buildings—like those featured in this issue’s Library Design Showcase—sustainability should shape every choice we make.
As libraries reimagine their spaces, many incorporate elements like natural light, energy-efficient systems, and flexible, welcoming environments. These design innovations not only support environmental goals but also foster community well-being and creativity—core aspects of what makes libraries vibrant, open places.
We see this commitment reflected in the ALA Core Value Interpretation for Sustainability, approved by ALA Council at the 2025 Annual Conference in Philadelphia. It states: “As trusted institutions, libraries play a vital role in building sustainable communities while adapting to modern challenges. People are at the heart of our work. This involves treating our community with care and advocating for our role in creating a brighter future. Sustainability means making choices that are good for the environment, make sense economically, and treat everyone [fairly]. Sustainable choices preserve physical and digital resources and keep services useful now and into the future. By supporting climate resiliency, library workers create thriving communities and care for our common good for a better tomorrow.”
Sustainability also shapes how we think about technology and emerging trends. As libraries consider hosting driving simulators to enhance workforce development or navigate the challenges of spotting artificial intelligence (AI)-written books, we’re reminded that innovation must be approached responsibly and thoughtfully. Sustainability ensures that technological choices enhance access and opportunity without compromising future resources or fairness.
To help guide this work, ALA and the Sustainable Libraries Initiative developed the National Climate Action Strategy for Libraries. This framework helps libraries:
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- develop disaster preparedness plans and community hazard response strategies
- provide climate justice education
- build partnerships with climate-focused organizations
In rural libraries, sustainability may involve serving as a warming or cooling center, strengthening food security efforts, or partnering with first responders. In academic settings, it might include addressing the environmental impacts of artificial intelligence and creating robust emergency plans to safeguard collections and ensure continuity of service.
Here are five things you can do today:
- Learn about sustainability as our newest core value and consider how it intersects with your work.
- Explore the National Climate Action Strategy for Libraries Implementation Guide for next steps.
- Join the ALA Sustainability Round Table to connect with colleagues.
- Use the Sustainable Libraries Initiative’s Road Map to Sustainability app, developed with OCLC, to plan your actions.
- Check out WebJunction’s Sustainable Libraries resources and webinars to build your own climate action plan.
By embracing sustainability fully, we strengthen our promise to our communities: that libraries will remain pillars of possibility—now and for generations to come.
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