Built only four years ago, Woodlawn Library, in Wilmington, DE, is an example of science and environmentalism in action. There are some distinguishing characteristics of the library one might call “green.” First and foremost, there is the Stormwater Planter Box, which caught my eye as I was outside eating a snack before I entered, because there is no food or drink allowed in the library—or at least I wasn’t going to try to eat a mushy banana and an Apple Crisp Granola Bar inside—that’d be crazy. Yesterday I had locked my bike to the metal sign post that was built to support a sign, and not even noticed that sign which I finally noticed and read today, about this amazing feat of eco-engineering:

They are collecting rainwater from several surfaces (some of which are almost unbelievable... you’ll find out why in a moment if you keep reading!) and then re-using the captured water for a good purpose! 

So basically their garden never needs to be watered... as long as it occasionally rains—which I can tell you, here it does (because I lived here for over 20 years)—the stormwater planter box will maintain itself (even effortlessly, after installation, of course). Most importantly, it does so without having to draw any water from the city's finite supply. Maybe they don’t need to build these in Arizona or Texas, but in much of the rest of the United States and countless other parts of the World, it’s a great idea.

We need to learn from this example: In modern times, public facilities being 1) good for business, 2) good for a purpose (study, and collection of resources, free access to internet [which is how I’ll post this for all people in the world to see! Cool, huh?]); and now, as the level of importance rises; being 3) good for people (empowerment through education), and, lastly, I am proud to say, 4) good for the planet (meaning it benefits all of us who share a global environment)!

This building, which I am in right now, actually, as I write this, has been designed with efficiency and eco-friendliness in mind!

Here’s what they do at Woodlawn Library, part of the New Castle Country Library System, to help protect our environment:

The Stormwater Planter Box

• collects water off of the roof with a high-tech gutter system
• collects water from below porous asphalt which paves the parking lot!
• (designed so water can seep right through and not end up in the city's storm drains, which are prone to overflow/ contamination)
• collects water from around building to feed lawn irrigation system (also acts as water supply to a few other small gardens)
• water then drains below building foundation, pulling water away from the structure
• uses "geo-textile" material so the underbed is protected, but the material is non-harmful to the planet or animal kingdom

Impressive Glass Windows – and many of them!

• let’s a tremendous amount of light in
• heat’s the building (the amount of light let in is amazing; it's warming and soothing to the skin when you’re inside the building) because the glass windows go up about 15 – 20 feet. All the way up to the ceiling!
• Energy efficient (they are sealed very well, even in the winter somehow these double pane window panels keep out the cold; and on a brisk but sunny day like today I doubt if they have to use any heating at all; the building heats itself (whenever the sun is out, at least).

Energy Efficient Lighting and Climate Control Systems

• This is party due to the amount of light that is coming in, but there are some lights in the building that need not even be on during a day like today (March 17, 2010)!
• They are using florescent tube lights to illuminate the books (these lights stay on whenever the Lib is open), and overhead, they have 2 different sets of lights.
• There are larger lights overhead which appear to be the same as gym lighting (which probably use a lot of energy, but that’s why they’re off! [The sun’s providing us with plenty of that]
• Much smaller lights are used for another section of shelving. These seem like they are the type of lights that go on a dimmer switch. They are not very bright but provide just enough light so that the place is lit up well enough for everyone to see.
• The AC and Heating system is very modern, and no doubt it was designed for maximum efficiency. There are overhead ducts which look as though they must have been drawn up in AutoCAD first before installation.

All in all this is a very impressive library. It might not be the largest library around, it might not be the most impressive to look at in the area, but it is definitely the “greenest.” I have enjoyed their facilities and the people here have always been kind, helpful and friendly to me. So thank you, Woodlawn Library Staff and Patrons.

Also I'd like to thank the people of the New Castle County Gov't for doing a fine job running our towns... leading us in the right direction: They ask that all Delawarians help us pave the way for environmental responsibility and action-taking when it comes to greening our earth.

They and others have looked at the science and seen the statistics reveal that this is a call-to-action. And NCC has followed through! (on numberous occasions) by building this library with Green Features, they have made a positive impact for the world's ecosystem and also, perhaps just as importantly, human eductation and enjoyment (you can read about the outdoor playground / park area here).

Not entirely by coincidence, Woodlawn also offers probably one of the best places to enjoy some time outside with the kids at the playground, or on a bench under an old birch tree on a park bench around.

Read all about the Outdoor Features of this wonderful NCC Public Library Here.

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