Greening Richmond Public Libraries
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 practices 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.
Please direct questions about the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative to Justin Doyle, the James River Association’s Director of Community Conservation, at jdoyle@thejamesriver.org.
Sign up for workshop notifications
Interested in participating in a rain barrel workshop? We will be offering workshops at Richmond Public Library branches in September, October, and November of 2022. Sign up here to receive a notification when registration opens for each workshop.
Request For Proposal: East End Branch Library
The James River Association, in partnership with Richmond Public Library, City of Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities/RVAH2O, and Four Winds Design is seeking a qualified contractor to implement plans for East End Branch Library prepared by Four Winds Design. The contractor selection schedule is as follows.
- July 22, 2022: RFP is sent to prospective contractors and posted to project webpage
- August 22, 2022: Proposals received by JRA
- August 23-26, 2022: Committee reviews proposals and schedules contractor interviews
- August 26, 2022: Determination of contract award and Notice of Intent to Award sent
Please direct questions about the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative to Justin Doyle, the James River Association’s Director of Community Conservation, at jdoyle@thejamesriver.org. Proposals should be emailed to Justin by close of business on Monday, August 22, 2022.
Richmond Public Library Branches Go Green
Broad Rock Branch Library – 4820 Old Warwick Road
Three bioretention basins that capture stormwater from the library’s roof and parking area were installed, a total of 64 native trees and shrubs were planted by volunteers on library grounds, and a pollinator area that features native perennials planted by volunteers was established.
North Avenue Branch Library – 2901 North Avenue
A bioretention basin that captures stormwater from the library’s roof was installed, a total of 44 trees and shrubs were planted by volunteers, and a pollinator area that features native perennials planted by volunteers was established.
West End Branch Library – 5420 Patterson Avenue
Three bioretention basins that capture stormwater from the library’s roof and parking area were installed and a total of 69 native trees and shrubs were planted by volunteers on library grounds.
Westover Hills Branch Library – 1408 Westover Hills Blvd
The Westover Hills Library Advisory Group began the Rain Garden project in 2015 and has completed three phases to date. Improvements at Westover Hills include rain gardens, conservation landscaping, storm drain art, and an educational sign.
Get Involved!
Every time it rains, fertilizers, herbicides, bacteria from pet waste, and chemicals flow from our properties into local waterways. Join other residents of the James River watershed in becoming a River Hero Home to protect the health and beauty of our local streams and rivers. Take the pledge and become a River Hero Home today!
Many Thanks to our Partners
The Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative is supported by Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Altria, James River Association, RVAH2O, Richmond Public Library, Richmond Public Library Foundation, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and Virginia Department of Forestry.
