Montana's "Green" Library

Contaminated site now home to Earth-friendly public library

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It’s not cheap to be green. The Bozeman Public Library in Bozeman, Montana, spent about $16 million last year for an environmentally sensitive building. Of that, $14 million was spent on the building, and $2.4 on cleaning up the building site, which was contaminated with lead and asbestos.

The investment paid off in more ways than one. The new library received a silver medal from the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) for its efforts. It is the first public building in Montana to be given this award.

Better yet, the green approach to building the library is helping to preserve the environment.

“We wanted to let the world know that we believe very strongly in making the least impact we can make on our environment,” said Bozeman Public Library director Alice Meister.

To do that, the library recycles trash and uses the sun to generate electricity. Automatic blinds trap heat on cold nights, and warm rooms with sunshine on cold days, cutting energy consumption. Lights automatically turn on and of when patrons enter and leave rooms.

Water is conserved by using native plants to landscape the grounds. Water is also saved in the restrooms, which feature waterless urinals. The entire building is constructed with recycled materials and organic-based paints.

The Bozeman Public Library’s influence reaches beyond Montana. The public library in Boulder, Colorado, is now becoming green, based on the success in Bozeman.

“It has motivated other people to think about being green and being environmentally friendly,” says Meister.

EARTH DAY

Celebrate Earth Day with Scholastic News Online! Learn more about how you can help take care of our planet in this special report.

Mila Loneman is a member of the Scholastic Kids Press Corps.

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