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Mission: Provide citizens and visitors with
exceptional library services that facilitate
personal growth, economic development, and quality
of life in a manner that strengthens community pride
while fostering a countywide identity and
partnerships.
The
Volusia
County Public Library System, with 16 branches and a
huge inventory of books and periodicals, is a
natural place to promote environmental awareness and
recycling.
What they are doing to be
more “green”
The county is applying for Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) certification for the
Deltona Regional Library expansion from the U.S.
Green Building Council. This nationally recognized
program verifies that a building is environmentally
responsible, profitable and a healthy place to work.
Additionally, the library will incorporate
“xeriscaping” into the landscaping. Xeriscaping is
defined as using plants that thrive naturally
without irrigation.
Other green initiatives at
the library system include:
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 All
libraries have been refitted with electronic
ballast and T8 lamps to conserve energy.
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Leftover paint from large projects is used to
paint restroom and office areas.
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Old
greeting cards are used for bookmarks.
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Old
furniture and shelving are reused within the
library system.
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Lights
are turned off when rooms are not in use.
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Book
boxes are provided to patrons and staff.
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The
Friends of the Library groups sell used books to
the public.
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The
Friends group at the Ormond Beach Regional
Library has a large recycling bin in the parking
lot for newspapers and magazines.
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All
library branches accept used books, magazines,
movies and craft materials from the public for
in-house use.
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Barcodes from periodicals and other discarded
materials are reused.
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The New
Smyrna Beach Regional Library partners with
local printing companies to provide a paper
port, where extra pieces of colored and white
paper is available.
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Branches ask patrons to bring in recyclable
items for summer arts and crafts programs.
Step by step instructions
for children's projects can
be found at
Kids' Page
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Old
photocopies get a new life as children’s
coloring sheets and note pads.
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The Friends of the New
Smyrna Beach Regional
Library re-purpose
donated old/broken
jewelry creating book
marks and eyeglass
chains, sales of which
benefit the library.
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All libraries and the
Library Support Center
recycle paper, plastic,
aluminum, toner, and ink
cartridges.
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