At Lilly Library, sustainability is important to us. We are always striving to find new and creative solutions to make our facilities and operations environmentally-friendly. We also have a commitment to supporting campus-wide sustainability through our participation in Earlham's Sustainability Progress Committee.
Borrow, Don't BuyYou can check out a lot more than books from the library! Our Library of Things allows the Earlham community to borrow a wide variety of useful materials, reducing the need for individual purchase of items, which can decrease waste and resource consumption.
Items available to check out include:
Something broken? Instead of buying new, try to repair it. The library supports the campus Repair Room (Dennis 211) and has the following repair kits and equipment available to check out:
Recent sustainability-minded improvements to the Lilly Library facilities include:
lighting spaces that are not being used, 
Green Office Program
Lilly Library was awarded the Green Office Program Silver Rating in 2014.
Through this program, we work to run our operations in a way that reduces environmental impact. Some operations we do to promote this include:
Routinely using dishes and silverware for library events and individual use, rather than disposable options..
Using reusable cloths for dusting library shelves.
Using dish and hand towels in the library break room.
Textbook Affordability
Within the collection, we promote open access materials and regularly purchase eBooks for required course texts, giving students an alternative to purchasing individuals textbooks for their classes.
Berkshire Encyclopedia of Sustainability (10-Vol. Set)
Contains authoritative coverage from experts around the world on the ways to restore the planet. Focused on solutions rather than on environmental problems, this work is suitable for twenty-first century students and professionals working to transform our common future.
Sage Reference Series on Green Society
Recycling Library Print MaterialsWe partner with Better World Books to give our deaccessioned materials a second life. When books are removed from the library collection, they are sent to Better World Books, where they are then sold or donated.
Deaccessioned print materials that are not in adequate condition to be sent to Better World Books are recycled through campus recycling.
We have held workshops reusing discarded library materials, such as teaching participants how to make crafts with books, microfilm, microfiche, and maps. Attendees have been taught how to make gift bags, paper beads, art, and more. We have also partnered with students to provide programs on upcycling and crafting with other types of items.
Earlham's standard recycling bins for paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals are located throughout the building. In our single-stream recycling containers, you can recycle:
Through ITS, located in Lilly Library's basement, you can recycle batteries and old technology equipment. Internally, we participate in the campus's K-Cup recycling program.
Lilly Library has several resources to help in researching sustainability topics. Listed are some beginning resources. Schedule an appointment with a librarian for further assistance.
Try searching for these terms in the library catalog:
Do you have ideas for other ways Lilly Library could improve our sustainability efforts? Talk with a librarian, or email us at library@earlham.edu.
Earlham College • 801 National Road West • Richmond, Indiana 47374-4095