The following are examples of celebrations held by certified libraries to announce their achievement to their community, thank their staff, and elected officials, and raise the overall visibility of libraries as sustainability leaders.
North Bellmore Public Library Certification Celebration
On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the North Bellmore Public Library proudly hosted a certification celebration to mark the completion of the Sustainable Libraries Initiative's Sustainable Library Certification Program (SLCP). The event, held in the library's community room, brought together library administrators, board members, staff, and several distinguished guests, including Nassau County legislators and community representatives, to recognize this significant achievement.
Library Director Jessica Tymecki and Assistant Director James Luberto addressed a full room of attendees, reflecting on the library’s journey toward sustainability. They shared insights into the meaningful changes the library implemented and what it means to serve as a sustainability leader in the community. Light refreshments were served as guests mingled and celebrated this milestone.
The North Bellmore Public Library was honored with numerous proclamations and citations from local and state officials in recognition of its leadership and commitment to sustainable practices. Notable guests included Stevens Martinez, Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for Long Island; Joseph Ramirez, Nassau County Regional Representative from Governor Kathy Hochul’s Office; Kelly Sepa from Senator Steven Rhoads’ Office; Hawa Bassett, District Director for Congresswoman Laura Gillen; Legislator Seth Koslow; Carmine Asparro and members of the Hicksville Elks Lodge #1931; and Caroline Ashby, Director of the Nassau Library System.
The library’s Board of Trustees was also in attendance, with one member offering closing remarks before the celebration concluded with commemorative photographs. The event was a fitting tribute to the North Bellmore Public Library’s dedication to building a more sustainable future for its community.
Elwood Public Library Certification Celebration
On Friday, May 3, 2024 library administrators and staff, board members, other local library leaders and Suffolk County Legislators gathered at the Elwood Public Library to collectively acknowledge and celebrate Elwood for completing the Sustainable Library Certification Program (SLCP). Library Director Susan Goldberg addressed the group along with Librarian and Elwood's Green Team leader Katie Herbst sharing their experiences and the impact and positive change they've seen within their community and what it means to them to be a leader in sustainability. South Huntington Public Library Director Janet Scherer, who served as Elwood's Mentor during the program spoke about the innovative ways the library came up with to adapt the certification programs framework to work within the physical space of their building.
During her remarks, Mrs. Goldberg noted that the most surprising part of going through the certification program was that the staff really had fun going through it and how the experience brought them all together.
View Elwood Public Library's Certification Celebration here.
Harborfields Certification Celebration
On October 25, 2023 the Harborfields Public Library celebrated their achievement for being a Certified Sustainable Library. The occasion included Town and County Legislators, Library Trustees, Staff, and members of the SLI Advisory Board. They received a Proclamation from the Town of Huntington as well as a Certificate of Recognition from Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi. Members of the library's Green Team shared a presentation of the library's experience going through the certification program, highlighting meaningful achievements from throughout their journey.
View their Certification Celebration.
Haverstraw King's Daughters Public Library Certification Celebration
Longwood Public Library Certification Celebration
In September 2022, Longwood Public Library held a ceremony and invited the team members that were active in the certification process, Library Trustees, their SLCP Mentor, SLI Advisory Board Members, and their elected officials.
They received a Proclamation from their County Legislator, James F. Mazzarella. They showed their final presentation on a large screen, invited their local elected officials and SLI co-Founder, Matthew Bollerman, to share a few words about the program and the certification. Finally, they gave building tours to show off their LEED Certified Facility.
South Huntington Certification Celebration
South Huntington Public Library held a certification celebration in July 2022. The occasion included Town and County Legislators, Library Trustees, Staff, and members of the SLI Advisory Board. The Library Board President, Elenora Ferrante, spoke about the broad reach of the certification program in gathering resources for the library from many different places and organizations. They received a Proclamation from the Town of Huntington Supervisor, Ed Smythe, and acknowledged their State Assemblyperson, Steve Stern for securing $25,000 in funding that was used to upgrade their HVAC system.
