91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – This Friday is Earth Day (April 22), an opportune time to remind people in your community that libraries do their part when it comes to reducing, reusing and recycling.



Here are just a few things that libraries across the country are doing to promote the library as a key renewable resource.



In celebration of “Earth Day @ your library,” the Atlanta-Fulton (Ga.) Public Library System reminds library users of new “green” innovations available through the library. In addition to promoting “recyclables” like books, DVDs and CDs, the library encourages users to conserve gas by using its OverDrive database to download audiobooks and e-books at home.



Leading up to the Earth Day, the Warren-Newport Public Library District of Gurnee, Ill. has encouraged library users to “Take the Earth Day Challenge @ your library.” Library users are encouraged to submit their own “recipes” for creating “green” cleaning supplies using household items like vinegar and baking soda that have less of an environmental impact then traditional cleaning agents. Entrants will get a chance to win a bucket of green cleaning supplies.



For “Earth Day 2011 @ your library,” the East Hampton (N.Y.) Public Library will collaborate with East Hampton Public Works and the Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA) to sell backyard compost bins and rain barrels to library users.



For each compost bin and rain barrel, $2 will be donated to the library, which will then use the proceeds to purchase books about eco-friendly topics.



The Quarryville (Pa.) Library will be promoting Earth Day to a new generation of library users and environmentalists. “Earth Day @ your library” programming will include the planting of a children’s garden, a used book sale, recyclable crafts and a presentation on learning how to recycle.



First celebrated on April 22, 1970, Earth Day promotes awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. For more information on Earth Day visit .



The , 91´«Ã½’s public awareness campaign that promotes the value of libraries and librarians. Thousands of libraries of all types – across the country and around the globe - use the Campaign’s @ your library® brand. The Campaign is made possible in part by 91´«Ã½’s Library Champions, corporations and foundations.