Concord Public Library expands community sustainability programs

In Concord, New Hampshire, the local public library is shifting its identity from a quiet repository of books into a high-utility hub for community sustainability. As household costs rise and environmental concerns weigh on residents, the Concord Public Library (CPL) is expanding its role by providing access to physical tools and resources designed to curb unnecessary consumption.

The Library of Things and the Economics of Access

The core of this initiative is the Library of Things (LOT), a collection that challenges the traditional consumer mindset. Instead of purchasing appliances or hobby equipment that might sit idle after a single use, Concord residents can now check out over 30 items free of charge.

The inventory is eclectic by design. Parents can borrow an Orion StarBlast telescope for stargazing, and others have used the library’s metal detector to recover lost jewelry. The library also provides equipment for digitizing VHS tapes and photo slides, offering a way for families to preserve history without the expense of professional conversion services. Those interested in the full list of available equipment can view the current catalog at the official city portal.

Cultivating Resources Beyond the Bookshelf

The library’s sustainability efforts extend beyond hardware. In 2024, the institution launched the “Vegetation Station,” a seed library funded by the CPL Foundation. This program provides more than 50 varieties of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds to the public. The initiative is structured to be cyclical; patrons are encouraged to harvest seeds from their own successful crops and donate them back to the library for the following season.

Vegetation station full length shot of a handsome young man working on his farm

This program is supported by instructional resources, including gardening texts and digital lessons available through Universal Class.

Infrastructure for a Circular Community

The library’s most recent addition, the Puzzle Exchange, debuted in 2026. Rather than investing in new shelving, the library repurposed existing furniture to house a collection of donated jigsaw puzzles. This program serves as a low-cost entertainment option for seniors and families on fixed incomes, particularly during the harsh New Hampshire winters when outdoor activity is limited.

From a sustainability perspective, the exchange serves two functions: it diverts used goods from landfills and provides a communal space for resource sharing.