By Elizabeth Cousins, Business Reference Librarian, Kirstein Business Library and Innovation Center, Boston Public Library
Libraries in communities across Massachusetts are gearing up for Climate Preparedness Week (CREW Week), which is Sept. 24-30 each year. We have programs for all ages.
What is CREW?
CREW stands for Communities Responding to Extreme Weather. It is a network of local leaders building grassroots climate resilience through inclusive & hands-on education, service, and planning. Some of those local leaders are librarians, and some of them belong to the group Blue Marble Librarians.
Blue Marble Librarians are a group of environmental, eco-friendly individuals who partnered with CREW to bring community learning experiences that help people understand and address climate issues. Initially focusing on developing programming for CREW Week, many of us have similarly themed events throughout the year now. This year there are events for all ages, across the Commonwealth – and beyond, hosted by libraries, churches, and other community organizations:
Highlighted Events at Libraries Across the Commonwealth
Do not miss our kick-off event, Keynote Speaker, David Pogue, Friday Sept. 24 @ 2:00 with Massachusetts Library System. Plus, many libraries are hosting book discussions throughout the week of his book How to Prepare for Climate Change: A Practical Guide for Surviving the Chaos.
This year there are both in-person and virtual events offered. Although it is difficult to pick just a few, here are some virtual events happening across the state:
- Warmth: Coming of Age at the End of the World, an author talk with Daniel Sherrell and Wellfleet Public Library, Thurs. Sept. 23 @ 7:00
- Climate Justice: Finding Equitable Solutions to the Climate Crisis with MA Audubon and Reading Public Library, Tues. Sept. 24 @7:00-8:30 (registration also available for in-person)
- Why Trees Matter in a Changing Climate with Speak for the Trees and CREW, Tues., Sept. 28 @ 6:30
- Flood Insurance on Cape Cod with Brewster Ladies’ Library, Tues., Sept. 28 @ 6:30
- Talking Trash & Recycling with Keep MA Beautiful & Kirstein Business Library & Innovation Center, Weds. Sept. 29 @1:00
- Panel Discussion: Resilience and Preparedness in a Changing Climate with Agawam Public Library, Thurs., Sept. 30 @ 7:00
Locate more virtual AND in-person events
Keep Learning & Get Involved
- WECAN – Women’s Earth and Climate Justice Network. Join their free online conference, Global Women’s Assembly for Climate Justice, Sept. 25-30. WECAN engages women and feminists across the gender spectrum worldwide in policy advocacy, projects, direct action, trainings and movement building for global climate justice.
- Become a Climate Resilience Hub with CREW. Climate Resilience Hubs are community institutions that help educate residents about extreme weather preparedness and other impacts of climate change. Additionally, hubs can choose to offer assistance in response to weather events, such as phone charging, refuge, various services delivery.
- 54 Great Sources for Climate Change News – a libguide from George Washington University.
- Massachusetts Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster – other organizations offering ways to get involved.
Share your CREW 2021 event story with Massachusetts Library System members. Let us know the outcome of your events. Share pictures and stories to inspire next year’s success.
