Arlington libraries aren’t “ssshhh-ing” students and they aren’t stocked with microfiche film anymore. Remember those film readers?
It’s 2016 and the Arlington Public Library is evolving into a 21st century community resource and research center complete with garden tool lending, computer labs, and even American Girl dolls. And now they are showcases of energy efficiency as well.
Arlington’s Central Library, in partnership with the Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy, has reached a pretty big milestone. In 2015, Central Library used less than half as much purchased electricity as it did in 2000! The County is saving over $125,000 annually at Central Library alone, and the annual savings will grow as electricity prices go up.
To achieve those savings the County installed LED lights, improved building energy controls, and a new efficient cooling system. In addition, 250 solar panels were installed on the roof at Central Library (60 kW of solar purchased with a Federal grant in 2011), providing clean energy to the Library.
This Earth Day you can follow Central Library’s lead in your own home! You can get an energy efficient LED light bulb at Central Library by bringing an old incandescent bulb to Central Library on the dates and times below. We’ll swap it at no cost — one per household, while supplies last.
EARTH DAY AT CENTRAL LIBRARY – LED Bulb Swaps:
1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington
FRIDAY, APRIL 22 from 10 a.m. – noon
SATURDAY, APRIL 23 from noon – 2 p.m.
SUNDAY, APRIL 24 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.