Glendale Library, Arts & Culture (GLAC) is among 20 California local library systems selected to receive first-ever funding from the California State Library’s (CSL) Sustainable California Libraries grant program to support projects focused on sustainability and climate resilience.

GLAC proposed the Earth Month & Beyond project for funding in partnership with the City of Glendale’s Office of Sustainability. The grant will enable GLAC to recruit volunteers to offer a Fix-It clinic, which helps people repair old appliances. It will also provide monthly clothing repair workshops, a “carbon conversations” speaker event with the Rahus Institute, and a guided nature hike with Glendale Community Services and Parks. GLAC will also support the Office of Sustainability’s Earth Day fair, expanding the successful event. GLAC plans to offer programs in Armenian, Spanish, and English.

 “Glendale prides itself on being a model of environmental stewardship,” said Mayor Ardy Kassakhian. “Our libraries can reach a wide portion of our community, allowing our city’s sustainability efforts to be put into practice through the actions of residents of all ages.” 

Projects receiving funding through the new Sustainable California Libraries grant program focus on climate education, environment-focused civic engagement, water conservation, air quality, energy efficiency, reducing waste, and supporting local climate action and resilience plans. Specifically, these grants support environmental education programs, teaching gardens, lending libraries including tools, seeds and other items tailored to community needs, climate-focused service groups, sustainability conversations, and more. The Sustainable California Libraries grant program is supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

In spring 2022, the California State Library, in collaboration with Pacific Library Partnership, launched the Sustainable California Libraries initiative focused on sustainability and climate resilience. In approximately four months, the State Library conducted a survey, convened several meetings of an Advisory Group, hosted Networking Sessions, created a report, and launched the Sustainable California Libraries grant opportunity.