For our FY20 budget, and beginning in July 2019, we will be incorporating a change regarding plasticware or paper plates, bowls, and cups for staff use.  

For staff at most of the libraries there will probably be little or no impact as most libraries have only had funds to purchase those supplies for customer use at programs, events, or meetings such as the Commission.  However, at Downtown and the Service Center those items have routinely been supplied for staff use and the staff lounges at those locations have had a generous supply of paper plates, bowls, cups and plasticware.  In an effort to be good stewards of our resources, to be more consistent across locations, and to be more environmentally responsible we are no longer going to budget funds for those products for staff use.  We will continue to approve budgeted funds for paper towels and napkins for staff lounges at all locations and libraries can continue to use programming funds to provide plates, cups, and plasticware for programs and events.  In Downtown Administration paper products and plasticware for guests will be available in the Director’s kitchenette.  

We encourage employees to bring a cup, plate, bowl and/or silverware from home and keep them for their personal use or to bring their own supply of paper or plastic as needed. Departments or libraries may also choose to use their supply budgets to purchase reusable silverware, plates, and cups as is already the practice at a number of the libraries.  

Thank you in advance for your support of this decision which better aligns with our values of integrity in the use of public funds and of fairness and respect for our coworkers across the system.