Greening Richmond Public Libraries Initiative Shifts Focus to East End Branch Library

After successfully implementing green infrastructure plans that manage stormwater runoff and create greener library grounds at Broad Rock Branch, North Avenue Branch, and West End Branch, the Greening Richmond Public Libraries team is shifting its focus to East End Branch Library.

Located at 1200 N. 25th Street in Richmond’s East End, East End Branch Library serves residents of neighborhoods including Church Hill, Fairmount, Fulton, Oakwood, Shockoe Bottom, and Union Hill. Green infrastructure and outdoor amenities are limited at the library, so the planning and design team is seeking input on green infrastructure and outdoor amenities that could be installed around the library.

Stormwater runoff poses one of the biggest threats to the health of the James River by carrying pollution to its tributaries and green infrastructure helps reduce polluted stormwater runoff. The Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative, a collaboration between Richmond Public Library, City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities/RVAH2O, James River Association, and Four Winds Design, launched in 2019 with the implementation of a green infrastructure plan at Westover Hills Branch Library. Since then, the partners have worked together to engage library users and stakeholders in planning and design processes that resulted in the implementation of green infrastructure plans at Broad Rock Branch, North Avenue Branch, and West End Branch. The primary goal of these plans is to manage stormwater on library grounds through the installation of green infrastructure.

Questions about the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative can be directed to Justin Doyle, the James River Association’s Director of Community Conservation, at jdoyle@thejamesriver.org.