Greening Richmond Public Libraries

Stormwater runoff adversely impacts the health of the James River and is a growing source of pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. In an effort to increase public awareness of stormwater runoff and reduce it, the James River Association is working alongside Richmond Public Library, Richmond Department of Public Utilities/RVAH2O, and Four Winds Design to plan, design, and install green infrastructure that manage stormwater at library branches across the City of Richmond. Green infrastructure practices include rain gardens and street trees that enhance our built environment for the benefit of humans and the ecosystem of which we are a part. Green infrastructure contributes to healthier communities by capturing and filtering stormwater before it enters our waterways and expanding tree canopy to reduce the urban heat island effect. It also provides habitat for wildlife living among us.

The Greening Richmond Public Libraries team conducted community and stakeholder engagement activities at East End Branch Library in June 2022. In-person and virtual meetings were held and input was solicited using a questionnaire. A total of 62 completed questionnaires were received between June 1 and July 1. Feedback received by the project team was used to inform the plans created by Four Winds Design for East End Branch Library. The City of Richmond’s Urban Design Committee recommended approval of the project on October 6 and the city’s Planning Commission approved the project on October 17. The approved plans feature bioretention areas along N. 25th and R streets that will be planted with native plants and work together to reduce stormwater runoff. Construction activities will begin after all permits are secured and volunteers will be recruited to help plant native plants at the library.