Environmental Stewardship

Greening Richmond Public Libraries

In partnership with The James River Association, RVAH2O, Richmond Public Libraries, and numerous generous project donors; the Greening Richmond Public Libraries Initiative strives to improve the health of the James River by reducing stormwater runoff.

Numerous bioretention basins, areas of pervious pavers, hundreds of native trees and shrubs, and fields of perennials and grasses have been installed at four branches of the Richmond City Libraries.  Sites feature pollinator gardens with interpretive signs, electric bike share stations, and outdoor gathering areas.  As part of the effort the library has added educational programs about the value of native plants and the function of stormwater mitigation techniques.

With the longevity of these site in mind; detailed, site specific maintenance manuals have been created.  This project seeks to redefine the value of city property and the way it is cared for.

Project Gallery – Environmental Stewardship

LEED Gold Certified paving details with materials salvaged from the site

LEED Platinum Certified Landscape

A pervious paver driveway protects the adjacent Corrotoman River

Preservation of existing trees achieved with an innovative wall footer

A reclaimed brick patio & micro meadow as butterfly and firefly habitat

A pondless conserves water and serves as a birdbath

A bamboo gate with material harvested from a local invasive species removal effort

Reclaimed bluestone creates a patio and walkway

Greening Richmond Public Libraries: Westover Hills Branch under planting renovation in 2022

Planting buffers protect Indian creek from driveway runoff

Greening Richmond Public Libraries: a gathering space featuring pervious pavers and reclaimed granite slabs as benches at Broad Rock Branch

Greening Richmond Public Libraries: the main bioretention basin at West End Branch

Greening Richmond Public Libraries: a conceptual plan for East End Branch with construction scheduled for fall of 2022