by Laurie Caswell Burke

Libraries, by definition, are green institutions. At the Pierson Library located in the center of Town, our local librarian Kip Roberson sums it up nicely. "Instead of buying mountains of books, DVD's, newspapers, and magazines that you may view only once, check out the materials at your local library. Or you may choose to stay and relax in one of our comfortable chairs, inside or out, and enjoy a good book or magazine." I admit to recently doing just that. I was in search of a few books on tape to take on a long car trip and wanted to see if our library had our current book club selection, "Suite Francaise" by Irene Nemirovsky. While there, I perused the DVD section to find, much to my surprise, a DVD that had just recently left the theaters, as well as a few others that were quite current. The place was bustling with several gentlemen reading newspapers and two twenty-something young women at the computers. Story Hour was in full swing and the laughter of young children rang from the bottom floor - they were clearly having fun. There were numerous postings of "happenings" around Town on the library entrance bulletin board, including a list of "suggestions" on how to improve the library. There also are gently used books for purchase at affordable prices.

Roberson has noticed an increase in the number of individuals utilizing the library's various services. He notes that you don't even have to get in the car to drive to the library, thanks to the online services and digital collections available anywhere -all you need to access the collection is a valid library card. With your library card and an Internet connection, you can do research using any of several online databases and encyclopedias. You can learn a foreign language and you can download audio books (www.listenupvermont.org. All of these services are available free of charge, 24/7!

The library has a growing collection of books and DVD's on sustainability topics by local and national authors. During the past year many programs presented at the library have focused on environmental topics and included well-known local folks such as Charlie Nardozzi and Ron Krupp, both noted for their expertise in the local food movement and organic gardening. Several Vermont Earth Institute discussion courses including Voluntary Simplicity and Choices for Sustainable Living have been hosted at the library. These all offer ways to educate and inspire individuals to incorporate more sustainable living practices into their lives.

There are always free activities happening for both adults and children in the adjoining hall whether it be a play, musical performance, or a lecture and offer a place in our Town to enjoy an afternoon or evening out. Many activities are family oriented and walking and parking are always free. Check the weekly Shelburne News column for upcoming programs.

The library is in the process of updating its long-range strategic plan, which includes exploring the possibility of building an expansion to the existing facility. Creating a green and LEED-certified facility will certainly be front and center.

If you have not already utilized the many services our local library offers, I encourage you to do so. Pick up a bookmark at the front desk; this provides all the basic information you need, including library hours, website, and phone number. The Town Library truly holds something for everyone and environmentalism is inherently woven into its mission. Not only will you help to protect the planet by diverting paper and plastic from landfills, but you will be saving money too. Visit the library in person or online at www.PiersonLibrary.org.