- Fifteen California libraries will offer sustainability projects during 2026 and 2027.
- Programs will teach residents how to conserve water and reduce waste.
- Some libraries will lend seeds and tools to local communities.
- Workshops will cover composting, repairs, climate change and disaster preparedness.
- Participating libraries serve rural, suburban and urban communities across California.
Thursday, October 15, 2026 — California residents may soon find more than books on the shelves of their local public libraries. Some will be able to borrow gardening tools, pick up seeds or attend workshops on saving water and reducing household waste.
On October 14, 2026, the California State Library announced
that 15 public libraries had been selected for the fourth year of its Sustainable California Libraries initiative.
The projects will take place during 2026 and 2027, bringing practical environmental education to communities across the state.
Participating libraries stretch from Glenn County in Northern California to Riverside County in Southern California. Together, they represent 12 counties and serve a mix of rural, suburban and urban communities.
Libraries Offer More Than Books.
The program builds on something public libraries have practiced for generations: sharing resources.
Instead of requiring every household to purchase its own books, libraries allow people to borrow and return them. The same idea can apply to gardening equipment, household tools and other useful items.
“Libraries are all about sustainability. Lending and reusing books saves money, energy and resources. Who better to raise awareness of climate issues and smart and cost-effective sustainability practices than libraries,” said California State Librarian Greg Lucas.
“Besides that, seed and tool lending libraries are just about the coolest thing ever.”
Seed lending programs let residents get seeds for planting, while tool lending programs make equipment available to borrow.
These services are among several project types supported by the California State Library.
Water Conservation and Waste Reduction.
Water conservation is one of the subjects included in the initiative.
Participating libraries will offer educational opportunities to help residents learn how to reduce water waste. Other workshops will focus on composting, repairing household items and finding new uses for materials that might otherwise be thrown away.
Programs will also address climate change, disaster preparedness, and living alongside wildlife in urban areas.
The projects are built around practical activities residents can use in daily life.
For example, learning how to mend clothing or repair a household item can extend its useful life. Composting workshops can introduce residents to ways of handling organic waste, while seed lending services can support home gardening.
The State Library did not specify which of the 15 participating libraries would offer each type of activity.
Local Organizations Will Help.
Libraries will not be working alone.
The initiative includes partnerships with organizations with experience in gardening, environmental education, public health, and emergency preparedness.
Local partners include University of California Master Gardeners, public works departments, county health departments and sustainability offices.
Colleges, disaster response organizations, bicycle groups, repair organizations and environmental nonprofits will also participate.
These partnerships will allow libraries to connect residents with people and organizations that have specialized knowledge.
Fifteen Libraries Selected Across California
The California State Library identified the following participants in its 2026-2027 program:
-
Alameda County Library.
-
Carpinteria Community Library.
-
Cerritos Library.
-
Fresno County Public Library.
-
Irvine Public Library.
-
Mission Viejo Library.
-
Mono County Free Libraries.
-
Moreno Valley Public Library.
-
Oakland Public Library.
-
Orland Free Library.
-
Oxnard Public Library.
-
Riverside County Library System.
-
Stockton San Joaquin County Public Library.
-
Sunnyvale Public Library.
-
Sutter County Library.
The participating systems include libraries serving smaller communities as well as those operating in larger metropolitan areas.
Libraries Will Share What They Learn.
Nine California libraries participating in the program have also joined the national Sustainable Libraries Initiative.
That organization provides library workers with training, practical information and educational resources related to climate change and sustainability.
Participating libraries will have an opportunity to share their experiences with other library employees throughout California.
A Sustainability Summit is planned for summer 2027, when program members will discuss their projects and share practices other libraries may be able to use.
Federal Funding Supports the Projects
The Sustainable California Libraries initiative receives funding, in whole or in part, from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act.
The California State Librarian administers the funding.
For the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the initiative is being presented in partnership with the Pacific Library Partnership.
The California State Library, established in 1850, serves as the central reference and research library for California’s government and Legislature.
It also supports public libraries throughout the state through funding and programs, including a free state parks pass program, meals for children during school breaks, and access to electronic books in more than 20 languages.
The newly announced sustainability projects add water conservation, waste reduction, environmental education, and community preparedness to the services participating libraries will provide during the coming year.
