It might sound cliché to say that every day is Earth Day at the library—but sustainability is truly at the heart of what we do. Sharing resources, reusing materials, and fostering a culture of reciprocity are woven into our DNA.
This year, Earth Day will be celebrated internationally on Wednesday, April 22. Earth Day also happens to fall during International Dark Sky Week, a global celebration dedicated to honoring the beauty, importance, and necessity of dark skies, while raising awareness about the growing impact of light pollution. We put together a special book list for Dark Sky Week that you should check out, too!
At the library, our commitment to the environment extends far beyond a single day. We host programs year-round that celebrate sustainability, share practical knowledge, and inspire environmental stewardship for all ages—from hands-on gardening workshops to youth-focused initiatives led by our dedicated Youth Environmental Specialist.
If you’re unable to attend a local Earth Day event, EarthDay.org has compiled a list of 50 simple ways to support the planet every day. One suggestion we especially love? Choosing reading over streaming—a small shift with a meaningful impact, and one we can definitely get behind.
Explore some of our upcoming environmental programs:
- Efficient Irrigation: A Water Wise Wednesday Workshop | April 8 at 5:30pm, Shadle Park Library
- Updates on State Wildlife Action Plan: A Spokane Audubon Society Presentation | April 8 at 6pm, Shadle Park Library
- Build a Bug House for Kids of All Ages | April 13 at 4pm, Shadle Park Library
- Green Without Grass: A Water Wise Wednesday Workshop | April 15 at 5:30pm, Shadle Park Library
- Caterpillars and Butterflies Celebration! For Ages 3-8 and their Caregivers | April 18 at 11am, Indian Trail Library
- Unseen Oceans – America’s Hidden Deep-Sea Gardens: An Exploration of Alaska’s Coral and Sponge Forests | April 18 at 1pm, The Hive
- Susie Tree Dedication and Blessing Ceremony | April 19 at 1:45pm, Shadle Park Library
- Fire Wise and Water Wise Design: A Water Wise Wednesday Workshop | April 22 at 5:30pm, Shadle Park Library
- Solitude, Nature, and Art with Michael N. McGregor: Deepen Your Awareness and Creativity | April 26 at 2pm, Riverside State Park Bowl & Pitcher Shelter
- Seed Starting for Kids Ages 8-16
Earth Day Book Recommendations
Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? By Frans de Waal
Before It’s Gone by Jonathan Vigliotti
Bicycling with Butterflies by Sara Dykman
Consumed by Aja Barber
Flush by Bryn Nelson, PhD
How to Give Up Plastic by Will McCallum
Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward
The Quickening by Elizabeth Rush
The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer
This Ordinary Stardust by Alan Townsend
