JACKSONVILLE, Fla.— The Keep Jacksonville Beautiful Commission recognized the University of North Florida’s Department of Housing and Residence Life and Center for Biological Diversity today in an award ceremony honoring the libraries of things project launched on campus in 2024. The award, received by Center Fellow Chandler Poole, celebrates the environmental benefits of libraries of things, which reduce needless consumption and waste.

“This award recognizes the importance of systems that make it easy for people to borrow instead of buying, and how easy it is to make this happen on every campus and in every community,” said Kelley Dennings, a senior campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Libraries of things reduce environmental harm, protect wildlife habitat and decrease people’s consumption while helping students borrow items they may not be able to afford.”

A library of things is a collection of non-traditional items you can borrow, from tools to games to kitchen equipment and technology. Last year the Center and Shareable — a national nonprofit building libraries of things around the country — worked with students and staff to build libraries at the welcome desk of three University of North Florida residence halls. The libraries were stocked with new and gently used donations after surveying students to determine what items would be most useful.

“Every time a student borrows items like pots, pans or board games, it helps them save money and prevents stuff from being purchased unnecessarily,” said Chandler Poole, a former fellow with Shareable and the Center for Biological Diversity. “It may seem like a small step, but borrowing and sharing instead of buying new things disrupts the demand for endless growth that exploits people and the planet.”

Campus libraries of things can support sustainability goals and student life at every college and university across the country. The Center recently published a how-to guide to help staff and students open these libraries on their college campus.

The annual awards from the Keep Jacksonville Beautiful Commission and the city of Jacksonville celebrate individuals, organizations, businesses and schools that have made strides to keep the city clean.