An Introduction to the National Climate Action Strategy for Libraries

A free on-demand webinar available exclusively to ALA members

Climate change is one of the grandest challenges facing our generation. The National Climate Action Strategy for Libraries was announced in 2024 by the American Library Association in partnership with the award-winning Sustainable Libraries Initiative in order to provide guidance and tools to help expedite climate action work in libraries. From working to reduce the impact library operations have on future climate change, to the pressing need for work to adapt in the face of the predicted impacts of climate change, to how to ensure climate action is done through a justice lens—the strategy helps library stakeholders better understand the context of decisions that will be made at your library in the coming years and how you can be a catalyst for positive change at your library and in your community. In addition to rolling out the strategy itself, a practical implementation guide with definitions, examples, and simple steps to get started was also released. This on-demand webinar explains both the strategy and the implementation guide and helps any library stakeholder identify a path forward on this important topic.

Recorded live on April 22, 2025.

You may also like Getting Started with Climate Action Planning in Public Libraries, a webinar on April 30, 2025.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will be able to:

• Explain the triple bottom line definition of sustainability, the newest core value of our profession;
• Identify the three core areas of the National Climate Action Strategy for Libraries; and 
• Identify their next steps locally towards climate action at their library in the context of the National Climate Action Strategy for Libraries.

Who Should Attend

This on-demand webinar is intended for all public library stakeholders: directors, library workers, library trustees, and Friends Group members. Registration is free, but ALA membership is required.

Panelists

Rebekkah Smith Aldrich (she/her), MLS, LEED AP, is the executive director of the Mid-Hudson Library System in New York, co-founder of the award-winning Sustainable Libraries Initiative, and chair of the National Climate Action Strategy for Libraries Working Group. For over twenty-five years, Rebekkah has worked with public libraries across the world to help them connect with their community needs to help create viable, vital, and vibrant library services that strengthen social cohesion, serve as a catalyst for civic participation, and ensure that our communities thrive into the future. Rebekkah is the principal author of the award-winning Sustainable Library Certification Program; the recently released National Climate Action Strategy for Libraries; handbooks for both library trustees and new library directors in New York State; and she’s also written three books on how libraries contribute to sustainable, resilient, and regenerative communities.

Important Registration Information

An ALA eLearning account is required to register for this free on-demand webinar. Don’t have an account? Create one for free by going to the “Log in” menu located at the top right corner of your screen. Although no membership is required to create the account, you must be an ALA member to register for this ALA member-exclusive webinar. If you encounter any issues registering for this event, then please email ce@ala.org for assistance.

Accommodations

This on-demand webinar is closed captioned in English (United States).

If you have a physical or communication need that may affect your access to this on-demand webinar, please contact us at plawebinars@ala.org or 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752) prior to registering so we can attempt to provide appropriate accommodations.

Tech Requirements

To play this on-demand webinar you should use a browser with native HTML5 support. Please use the most up-to-date version available of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, or Edge. A fast Internet connection and computer is recommended.

Contact

This webinar is presented by the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).

PLA members make it possible for us to provide continuing education opportunities like this webinar at no cost. We thank our members for their continuous dedication to the advancement of the public library field and our association.

If you have questions or problems accessing a recording, send a message to plawebinars@ala.org or call 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752).