The library concept of reusing books, videos, newspapers, magazines and more might just make it the “ultimate recycling system,” according to a Project Green document that will be posted on the Riverside Public Library’s Web site next month (www.riversidepubliclibrary.org).

But that doesn’t mean that the library’s ecological efforts stop there.

According to Janice Fisher, the library’s director, the library is also recycling old cell phones, ink cartridges, fluorescent light bulbs, old and damaged American flags, eyeglasses, and other items-with many bringing in additional income for the library, which is 95-percent dependent on tax money.

“You’d be amazed at what can be recycled now,” Fisher says.

The eyeglasses go to people in need of them, and the flags that are brought in are disposed of in the proper manner, by burning. But recycling of some of the other items has brought in more than $1,000 this past year, to be used for books and other library supplies.

Discarded books have also been brought in and resold, which can amount to “$1,000 in a good year.” That’s in addition to similar efforts from the Riverside Friends of the Library, which can bring in as much as $2,000.

Fisher said the community has been very helpful in the library’s efforts. “People are supporting us by giving us things.”

Another effort that involves library patrons is the library’s request that they bring in their own mugs or cups for refreshments at library events. For example, movie showings offer free popcorn served in reusable washable cups. Fisher adds that nobody has complained about the request, but that there are options available if necessary. “We don’t deprive anyone,” she says.

Fisher said the original green efforts started “years ago,” with the library staff making back-to-back copies to use less paper. Other staff efforts to conserve paper include the reuse of paper in printers for “sloppy copies,” in-house communications being done via e-mail, and recycling.

“Part of it came from wanting to save money, but we found we’re conserving other things,” she said.

Even some of the youth services crafts involve reusing common household materials. Christmas tree decorations are made of milk gallon rings and kaleidoscopes are made from paper towel holders, among other projects.

“You’d be surprised what can be done,” Fisher said.

Additional green efforts can be spotted by simply taking a glance around the library. Ultraviolet protection was installed on the west windows in the Quiet Reading Room to conserve energy, and hand dryers are being installed in the washrooms to reduce the use of paper towels.

According to the Project Green document, the library also has obtained three Illinois Clean Energy Lighting Grants from the State of Illinois and relamped the entire library using energy efficient fixtures and bulbs.

As part of the grant, the library gave away lights bulbs and had a program on energy-saving tips, and also held a children’s program promoting energy conservation. The library incorporates ecology education whenever possible, with other past program topics including corn-fed meat and global warming.

Going forward, the library hopes to encourage patrons to either bring in canvas book bags for carrying checked out materials or to use one of the bags the library offers for checking out (rather than using plastic bags).

The library is also asking patrons to sign up for its e-mail list and to make use of the library’s website-which in addition to providing library and event information, can “save gas/energy by renewing or ordering materials online.”

Online order requests have also stopped the printing and mailing of postcards, which saves time and other resources. “We are encouraging people to look at the website, rather than us sending things like the newsletter out,” Fisher said. “The money saved can then go to purchasing books instead,” she added.

“We are always thinking of things we can do,” she said. “We’re trying the best that we can, and hopefully we can make a dent.”

The library’s Project Green document is scheduled to be posted in early March. Please visit www.riversidepubliclibrary.org for more information.