TRUSTEES OF THE WELLESLEY FREE LIBRARY
(2 seats available - 3 year term)
Trustees oversee all library services and policies. Through an ongoing planning process, they assess the Library’s needs and role in town. They establish policies and procedures for the Library that reflect the needs of the community consistent with national standards set by the American Library Association. Trustees work with the Library Director to prepare a budget that will provide services to the community in a fiscally responsible way. With the Director, Trustees also supervise library property and facilities that consist of a main library and two branches.
Q1. As you know, Wellesley has a greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reduction goal, a Climate Action Plan, and the Resolution to Address the Impact of Climate Change passed by Town Meeting in 2020. The resolution calls on all Town departments to incorporate GHG reductions into their regular planning and budgeting. As the Trustees contemplate future renovations to library buildings, how will you support critical town goals for reducing GHG emissions?
Marla Robinson & Ann Howley
A1. The Library Trustees implemented Town sustainable goals when completing building renovation projects for Fells and Main Libraries and will continue to support those goals in future projects. From feasibility study, choice of architect /designer, through implementation and completion, Trustees worked in concert with FMD and PBC to ensure that every effort was made to make choices that contributed to the reduction of GHG emissions. These same efforts will continue in future projects.
Our renovated spaces
The Library Trustees are proud to be at the forefront of sustainable renovation. We believe our efforts can be a model for other libraries in how to meet new needs in a sustainable way.
Q2. Our libraries are considered by many to be great places to get information about a changing world. How do you see the library's role in providing information to residents about how they can take action to fight climate change and build local resilience?
Marla Robinson & Ann Howley
A2. Libraries are the central place to find accurate, up to date information on all subjects, including around the issues of climate change and local resilience. The WFL is no exception. As Trustees, we support the Administration and staff in their commitment to sustainability. The WFL Trustees models that commitment by supporting, educating, advocating for and involving our community in local resilience efforts.
WFL Sustainable Policy - The Library Trustees adopted a sustainable policy which states “The WFL is committed to the principles of sustainability. Whenever practicable, the WFL will consider and adopt measures to minimize our impact on the environment and ensure a sustainable future. Such measures may include, but will not be limited to:
Library Services - The concept of sharing materials is in itself sustainable. Borrowing books is an age-old library tradition, and now with the Library of Things, patrons can contribute to a more sustainable community by borrowing items such as puzzles, small electronics, musical instruments and other things that they only need temporarily or may only use one time. This service supports the concept of don’t toss - share/reuse, an important sustainable tenet.
The Friends of the Wellesley Free Library used book sales also alert the community to the idea of recycling materials and help reduce contributions to local landfills. At the same time, by reselling no longer needed items, Friends give extended life to a pre-read book, provide patrons with a great discounted price and support library programs and museum passes for our community with the proceeds.
Programs – The WFL regularly hosts and supports programs on sustainability topics, offering programs directly or through partnership with local groups like the Climate Action Committee, Sustainable Wellesley, Wellesley Conservation Trust and the Natural Resource Commission.
Library Practices – When replacing items, the WFL uses sustainable criteria in planning and purchasing. The Library van was replaced last summer with an all-electric vehicle and is used for Homebound and inter-Library deliveries. Typically, new books are shipped to the Library in large deliveries reducing the need for packaging and multiple smaller deliveries. Staff recycles plastic, cardboard, toner and packaging materials. The Wellesley IT Department is also committed to sustainability and uses sustainable practices when repurposing and recycling all electronics.
(2 seats available - 3 year term)
Trustees oversee all library services and policies. Through an ongoing planning process, they assess the Library’s needs and role in town. They establish policies and procedures for the Library that reflect the needs of the community consistent with national standards set by the American Library Association. Trustees work with the Library Director to prepare a budget that will provide services to the community in a fiscally responsible way. With the Director, Trustees also supervise library property and facilities that consist of a main library and two branches.
Q1. As you know, Wellesley has a greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reduction goal, a Climate Action Plan, and the Resolution to Address the Impact of Climate Change passed by Town Meeting in 2020. The resolution calls on all Town departments to incorporate GHG reductions into their regular planning and budgeting. As the Trustees contemplate future renovations to library buildings, how will you support critical town goals for reducing GHG emissions?
Marla Robinson & Ann Howley
A1. The Library Trustees implemented Town sustainable goals when completing building renovation projects for Fells and Main Libraries and will continue to support those goals in future projects. From feasibility study, choice of architect /designer, through implementation and completion, Trustees worked in concert with FMD and PBC to ensure that every effort was made to make choices that contributed to the reduction of GHG emissions. These same efforts will continue in future projects.
Our renovated spaces
- Created a flexible, non-invasive design
- Reused existing furnishings where it made sense and ”rehomed” other items
- Met LEED standards where applicable
- Used sustainable materials, locally sourced where possible
- Used materials low in VOCs and with no added Urea Formaldehyde
- Replaced lighting with energy efficient LED lights
- Maintained and/or improved access to natural light
The Library Trustees are proud to be at the forefront of sustainable renovation. We believe our efforts can be a model for other libraries in how to meet new needs in a sustainable way.
Q2. Our libraries are considered by many to be great places to get information about a changing world. How do you see the library's role in providing information to residents about how they can take action to fight climate change and build local resilience?
Marla Robinson & Ann Howley
A2. Libraries are the central place to find accurate, up to date information on all subjects, including around the issues of climate change and local resilience. The WFL is no exception. As Trustees, we support the Administration and staff in their commitment to sustainability. The WFL Trustees models that commitment by supporting, educating, advocating for and involving our community in local resilience efforts.
WFL Sustainable Policy - The Library Trustees adopted a sustainable policy which states “The WFL is committed to the principles of sustainability. Whenever practicable, the WFL will consider and adopt measures to minimize our impact on the environment and ensure a sustainable future. Such measures may include, but will not be limited to:
- Providing sustainable education through programs and resources
- Utilizing green energy when possible, including the use of electric vehicles
- Practice fiscally responsible and long-term planning with environmental impact in mind
- Advocating and modeling actions in preserving/reusing materials and avoiding waste
Library Services - The concept of sharing materials is in itself sustainable. Borrowing books is an age-old library tradition, and now with the Library of Things, patrons can contribute to a more sustainable community by borrowing items such as puzzles, small electronics, musical instruments and other things that they only need temporarily or may only use one time. This service supports the concept of don’t toss - share/reuse, an important sustainable tenet.
The Friends of the Wellesley Free Library used book sales also alert the community to the idea of recycling materials and help reduce contributions to local landfills. At the same time, by reselling no longer needed items, Friends give extended life to a pre-read book, provide patrons with a great discounted price and support library programs and museum passes for our community with the proceeds.
Programs – The WFL regularly hosts and supports programs on sustainability topics, offering programs directly or through partnership with local groups like the Climate Action Committee, Sustainable Wellesley, Wellesley Conservation Trust and the Natural Resource Commission.
Library Practices – When replacing items, the WFL uses sustainable criteria in planning and purchasing. The Library van was replaced last summer with an all-electric vehicle and is used for Homebound and inter-Library deliveries. Typically, new books are shipped to the Library in large deliveries reducing the need for packaging and multiple smaller deliveries. Staff recycles plastic, cardboard, toner and packaging materials. The Wellesley IT Department is also committed to sustainability and uses sustainable practices when repurposing and recycling all electronics.