North Adams Public Library. "The first LEED Certified public library in New England, this addition and renovation of a historic mansion listed on State and National Register of Historic Places, includes a geothermal heating and cooling system, photovoltaic panels and non-toxic products as well as other green features." - DRA Architects website
The following appeared in the September/October 2008 issue of MBLC Notes.
Massachusetts libraries are going green with the help of the MBLC. At the Board's monthly meeting on September 4, 2008, the Commissioners approved a Green Library Incentive. This incentive encourages the recipients of the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) provisional construction grants, awarded in August, to incorporate green or sustainable elements in their building projects.
Green library design focuses on site location, water consumption, energy use, environmental impact, construction waste, choice of building materials, and indoor air quality. Efficient heating and cooling systems as well as alternative energy sources such as solar or wind power may also be design elements of a green library.
The incentive would amount 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 LEED certification, the library must attain at least the basic level of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Additional funding may also be available for libraries that achieve a higher level of LEED certification.
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.
What else happened in 2008?
References:
1. MBLC Notes, September/October 2008.
2. 2008 Super Tuesday tornado outbreak - Wikipedia entry [link].
3. Murder of Travis Alexander - Wikipedia entry [link].
4. www.history.com [link].