Woodside Library Offering Free 'Check It Out!' Energy, Water Saving Toolkits

SAN MATEO, CA —Beginning April 25, county library users can borrow a “Check It Out!” Energy and Water Savings Toolkit from any community public library in San Mateo County. Outfitted with tools, supplies, measuring devices and a user-friendly guide, the toolkits can help residents conserve water, use less electricity and save money by taking a few simple actions.

The toolkits contain both supplies that users can keep—including an LED lightbulb, weatherstripping, outlet gaskets and low-flow faucet aerators and showerhead—as well as a variety of tools to measure and correct electricity overuse, heat loss and water leaks. An illustrated user guide provides step-by-step instructions to save energy and water, without sacrificing comfort.

“Libraries are places of learning and empowerment, so these toolkits are a perfect addition to our collection,” said Anne-Marie Despain, Library Services Director for San Mateo County Libraries, “we’re very proud and excited to partner with the San Mateo County Office of Sustainability to offer these tools for energy literacy and sustainability to our community.”

Anyone with a valid library card in San Mateo County can check out a toolkit, just as they would a book or DVD. Over 70 toolkits are available countywide and can be checked out for three weeks.

The toolkits are an initiative of the County of San Mateo Office of Sustainability, in partnership with San Mateo County Libraries, the Peninsula Library System, and the City/County Association of Governments. The toolkits were funded by California utility payers through their local utility company.

About San Mateo County Libraries

San Mateo County Libraries are a Joint Powers Authority comprising the cities of Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, Pacifica, Portola Valley, San Carlos, Woodside, and the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County. San Mateo County Libraries ignite growth through transformative experiences. Visit smcl.org for information about the Libraries’ extensive digital and physical collections, 12 branches, Bookmobile, Lookmobile and the 10,000 workshops, classes, concerts, readings and other activities offered annually.

About San Mateo County Energy Watch (SMCEW)

In the areas served by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), PG&E has partnered with local governments to form Energy Watch Partnerships. In 2008, PG&E partnered with the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) to form the San Mateo County Energy Watch. SMC Energy Watch serves San Mateo County, including 20 cities, County government, and the unincorporated areas. C/CAG contracted with the County of San Mateo’s Office of Sustainability, to staff the Energy Watch program. In 2009, SMC Energy Watch began serving its first customers—local governments, small businesses, non-profit organizations, and some low-income residences. In 2013, SMC Energy Watch began assisting schools and farms with energy efficiency services.

— PHOTO AND TEXT SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION BY: San Mateo County Libraries