Surrey Libraries Achieves Sustainable Library Certification

Surrey Libraries has been officially designated as a Certified Sustainable Library by the Sustainable Library Certification Program (SLCP), becoming the first library in Canada to earn this distinction.

This recognition highlights Surrey Libraries’ ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic responsibility.

“Surrey Libraries is proud to lead the way as the first library in Canada to complete the Sustainable Library Certification Program,” said Tanveer Sohal, Chair of the Surrey Libraries Board of Trustees. “This achievement reflects our long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility, and the role libraries play in shaping resilient, forward-thinking communities.”

Surrey Libraries has integrated sustainability into its organizational culture, starting with comprehensive staff training on the pillars of sustainability and clear communication strategies. Staff benefit from custom ergonomic workstations and a transit rebate program for those working at least forty hours per month.

Several branches have earned green building certifications, including LEED and Passive House. All locations feature permanent, regularly updated Climate Action Displays, providing local, low-cost, or free resources to promote climate action and community resilience.

The Library also strengthens community connections, particularly with Indigenous communities, through initiatives such as the Indigenous elder-in-residence program and diverse programming for patrons. These efforts foster cultural awareness and thoughtful communication on sustainability topics.

With this achievement, Surrey Libraries joins a select group as the thirtieth public library—and the first in Canada—to be certified through the SLCP. The program is an award-winning benchmarking system and community of practice, supporting libraries in their transition toward a cleaner, greener, and more equitable future.

“We are proud to have partnered with Surrey Libraries to help them become the first Canadian library system to complete the Sustainable Library Certification Program,” said Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, President of the Sustainable Libraries Initiative, “Not only are they an early adopter of this work, but they have proven to be a shining example of how to do this work well with meaningful outcomes for their organization, community, and country.”