The James River Association's Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative will continue RPL's North Avenue Branch on Friday, April 12. The local nonprofit looking for the community assistance planting trees in the neighborhood around the library.

The project is half a decade in the making. It began in 2019 with the implementation of a green infrastructure plan at Westover Hills Branch Library. Plants have now been installed in several locations, including the Broad Rock, North Avenue, and West End branches.

In 2022, JRA staff members evaluated what stormwater management and infrastructure practices should be used at each branch going forward. Input was collected from library users and stakeholders. Working with RPL, the Dept. of Public Utilities, and Four Winds Design, JRA finalized the plans.

The Greening RPL initiative has already brought plants and eco-friendly infrastructure to other Richmond Public Libraries. | Photo via James River Association

One of the goals of this project is to help library properties deal better with stormwater runoff. Greener infrastructure can help prevent pollutants from winding up in the James after rainstorms.

After holding public meetings in February at the Ginter Park Branch, the JRA's next step is to do some more planting at the North Avenue Branch. To stay up to date on the project, check the JRA's website periodically.

Have a question about the initiative? Send Justin Doyle from JRA an email.