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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DATE: November 20, 2008

CONTACT: Celeste Bruno
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x208
celeste.bruno@state.ma.us

New Public Libraries Will Be Green

North Adams Public Library is currently the only LEED certfied Massachusetts public library

Twenty nine Massachusetts libraries that currently hold provisional construction grant awards from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) are taking advantage of the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) Green Library Incentive established by the Board at their September 2008 meeting.

For a list if the MPLCP provisional grant recipients, please visit: http://mblc.state.ma.us/mblc/news/releases/past-releases/2008/nr080814.php

“We’re pleased that so many have decided to use the additional funds provided by the Board’s incentive to build greener libraries, “said Robert Maier, MBLC Director. “It makes economic and environmental sense.”

The incentive amounts to 5% of the town’s MPLCP construction award or $100,000, whichever is greater. While the Board encourages libraries to seek higher levels of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, the library must attain at least the basic level of LEED certification.

Additional funding may also be available for libraries that achieve a higher level of LEED certification. Funds will be disbursed by the MBLC in a lump sum upon official notification of the project’s LEED certification by the Green Building Council.

Funding to support the MPLCP and the Green Library Incentive was made available through the $3 billion General Governmental Needs Bond Bill authorized by the Legislature and signed by Governor Deval Patrick on August 11, 2008.

About MBLC

The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.

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