Introducing LibraryLink: Helping Libraries generate revenue from their deaccessioned materials.
Introducing LibraryLink: Helping Libraries generate revenue from their deaccessioned materials.
Green Library Solutions
Libraries are community leaders in sustainability. Zoom Books LibraryLink helps your library demonstrate environmental stewardship through responsible book processing, certified recycling, and measurable impact reporting.
Public and academic libraries are uniquely positioned to lead on environmental sustainability. Through resource sharing, community education, and responsible operations, libraries already reduce waste and consumption at a systemic level.
But one area often overlooked is what happens to books when they leave the collection. Every year, libraries deaccession millions of items. Without a sustainable processing partner, many of these materials end up in landfills.
Zoom Books LibraryLink closes this gap with a program built around three principles:
Every deaccessioned item is either resold or recycled through certified partners. Our 98% landfill diversion rate means your library can confidently claim zero-waste book processing.
Receive detailed sustainability reports quantifying trees saved, water conserved, energy reduced, and CO2 emissions avoided. Designed for board presentations and community communications.
Sustainability doesn't have to cost extra. LibraryLink generates revenue from resold materials while providing free recycling — turning an expense into income.
No special sorting, labeling, or preparation. Box your weeded materials and we handle pickup, processing, and reporting. Minimal staff time for maximum environmental impact.
Every batch of library materials we process creates measurable environmental benefit.
Each ton of recycled paper saves approximately 17 trees from harvest.
Recycling uses 60% less water than producing paper from virgin pulp.
70% less energy required compared to virgin paper manufacturing.
Avoiding landfill prevents methane emissions from decomposing paper.
98% of all materials processed are diverted from landfill.
Resold books avoid the environmental cost of printing new copies.
Detailed per-batch and annual sustainability metrics provided.
Position your library as an environmental leader in your community.
The environmental difference between responsible processing and standard disposal.
| Impact Area | Landfill Disposal | Zoom Books LibraryLink |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Emissions | Methane from decomposing paper | Zero landfill methane — resale + recycling |
| Tree Conservation | No benefit | 17 trees saved per ton recycled |
| Water Usage | No benefit | 60% less water via recycled paper |
| Energy Savings | No benefit | 70% energy reduction vs. virgin paper |
| Waste Diversion | 0% — everything goes to landfill | 98% diversion rate |
| Sustainability Proof | No documentation | Detailed impact reports per batch |
Discuss your library's sustainability goals and current deaccession volume. We'll recommend the right program (Unscanned or Scanned) for your needs.
Box your weeded books and we coordinate free pickup. No sorting, scanning, or special preparation is needed for the Unscanned program.
Every item is assessed. Books with market value are resold to extend their life. Everything else goes through certified paper recycling — nothing to landfill.
Get comprehensive sustainability reports showing trees saved, water conserved, energy reduced, CO2 avoided, and revenue generated. Perfect for annual reports and community communications.
Libraries worldwide are embracing sustainability as a core operational value. From LEED-certified buildings to digital-first acquisition strategies, the profession is evolving to reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining the services communities depend on.
The International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) recognizes libraries as key contributors to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas of education, reduced inequalities, and responsible consumption.
Your collection is one of the largest physical assets your library manages. Responsible end-of-life processing for deaccessioned materials is a direct, measurable way to demonstrate environmental stewardship:
Our sustainability reports are designed to be shared. Whether you need data for a board presentation, annual report, grant application, or community newsletter, LibraryLink provides the metrics that demonstrate your library's environmental leadership.
Meet
With extensive experience in book recycling supply chain management, Denise brings proven industry expertise to Zoom Books’ thrift store and nonprofit partnerships. She leads supplier acquisition and logistics coordination across our North American operations, ensuring seamless service for retail partners.
At Zoom Books, Denise specializes in building custom thrift store partnership strategies that help retail partners transform excess inventory into recovered floor space and consistent revenue streams. Her hands-on approach ensures every thrift store partner benefits from optimized logistics and maximum value recovery.
Every batch of materials we process generates a sustainability report showing books resold (extending their life), materials recycled (by weight), trees saved, water conserved, energy reduced, and CO2 emissions avoided. These reports are formatted for use in board presentations, annual reports, and community communications.
It means that 98% of all materials we receive are either resold to new readers or processed through certified paper recycling facilities. Less than 2% of materials — primarily those contaminated by mold or water damage — may require alternative disposal.
Absolutely. Many of our library partners use our sustainability metrics in grant applications, strategic plans, and municipal reporting. We can provide customized data summaries upon request.
No. Pickup and processing are free for qualifying volumes (minimum 3 boxes). LibraryLink actually generates revenue for your library from resold materials — making sustainability a net positive for your budget.
Our calculations are based on industry-standard EPA and environmental science benchmarks: approximately 17 trees per ton of recycled paper, 60% water savings vs. virgin pulp production, 70% energy savings, and methane avoidance from landfill diversion.
Yes. Our partnership team can help you frame your deaccession program as a sustainability initiative. Many libraries have used LibraryLink as the centerpiece of their environmental stewardship communications.
Contact our team to learn how LibraryLink can support your environmental goals with zero-waste book processing and measurable impact reporting.
