The New York State Library and the New York State Regents Advisory Council on Libraries has selected the Suffolk Cooperative Library System (SCLS) to receive the distinguished 2024 Joseph F. Shubert Library Excellence Award, Assistant Commissioner for Libraries and State Librarian Lauren Moore announced today. This commendation, accompanied by $1,000 and a commemorative certificate, is courtesy of The Friends of the New York State Library. It was awarded in acknowledgement of the system’s successful leadership of the Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI).
Regents Advisory Council on Libraries member María Fernanda Pardo said, “SCLS's response to one of the biggest issues facing our planet has contributed to successfully facilitate information by becoming home to the Sustainable Libraries Initiative. The increased number of sustainable libraries in Suffolk County is impressive. In addition, SCLS through SLI efforts has impacted the entire community of Suffolk County and the entirety of Long Island by adopting new sustainable changes in infrastructure. Suffolk County libraries are becoming leaders in responding to climate change, setting a great example and educating the communities they serve. All these efforts can positively impact the lives and future of the entire world.”
State Librarian Lauren Moore said, “In taking on the administration of the Sustainable Libraries Initiative, the Suffolk Cooperative Library System has positioned New York’s libraries at the forefront of a global movement to combat climate change and foster vibrant, sustainable communities. We are proud to present the Suffolk Cooperative Library System with the Joseph E. Shubert Award, honoring their unwavering commitment to achieving a bold vision for libraries in New York and beyond.”
After witnessing the devastating effects of climate change following Superstorm Sandy, the Suffolk Cooperative Library System was moved to act. They invited the Sustainable Libraries Initiative to join them in this effort by providing funding assistance, office space, and administrative support to staff. Additionally, Suffolk Cooperative Library System helped increase the Initiative’s reach by offering free membership to all Suffolk County member libraries.
The Sustainable Libraries Initiative is a groundbreaking project providing leadership on sustainability and climate action. It is the go-to resource to help libraries respond to climate change, which the American Library Association (ALA) has called “the grandest challenge of our generation.” This initiative provides tools for libraries to track and reduce their carbon footprints, as well as policy templates, a sustainability-supporting vendors database, and a robust community of practice with monthly meetings, case studies, and program guides. Most recently, the Sustainable Libraries Initiative partnered with ALA to develop the National Climate Action Strategy for Libraries, calling upon the library profession to sharpen its focus and work with deliberate intensity in key areas to ensure that libraries and the communities they serve thrive in the face of climate change’s impacts.
The Suffolk Cooperative Library System has promoted the Sustainable Libraries Initiative beyond its own service area, extending the reach of the Sustainable Library Certification Program to libraries across North America. 29 SCLS member libraries and more than 120 additional libraries across the continent have taken part so far. Final presentations by libraries that complete the program can be viewed on the Sustainable Libraries Initiative website. The Joseph F. Shubert Excellence Award was officially presented to the Suffolk Cooperative Library System at the recent New York Library Association Conference held in Syracuse, New York on November 8th.
Suffolk Cooperative Library System reports that award funds are being invested back into the Sustainable Libraries Initiative to help libraries in the program with visual storytelling in the form of a new feature called Energy Consumption Reports. These reports allow a library to demonstrate how the choices they are making through the lens of sustainability are reducing their carbon footprint.
About the Joseph F. Shubert Excellence Award
The Joseph F. Shubert Excellence Award is given annually to recognize the achievements of libraries and library consortia in New York State. The Award honors libraries or library consortia that have taken significant steps within the past two years to improve the quality of library service to users. Joseph F. Shubert served as New York State Librarian from 1977 to 1996.
The Regents Advisory Council on Libraries was established by the Board of Regents in 1894 to serve as a library council with whom the Regents “may consult whenever the advice or cooperation of experts may be desirable.” It consists of 15 members from diverse library backgrounds and advises the Regents, the Department, and the State Library on important library issues.
The New York State Library is part of the Office of Cultural Education within the New York State Education Department. The New York State Library celebrated its bicentennial in 2018. The Library serves three major constituencies. The Regent Joseph E. Bowman Jr. Research Library, established by law in 1818, collects, preserves, and makes available materials that support State government work. The Library's collections, now numbering more than 20 million items, may also be used by other researchers onsite, online, and via interlibrary loan.
The Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) lends braille, audiobooks, magazines, and special playback equipment to residents of the 55 upstate counties of New York State who cannot read printed materials because of a visual or physical disability.
The Division of Library Development works in partnership with 72 library systems to bring library services to millions of people who use New York's academic, public, school, and special libraries. Library Development also administers State and Federal grant programs that provide aid for library services.