*Photo Credit: Ramie Hutchison, Hutch Digital, LLC, Russell Springs, Ky.
Russell County Public Library (RCPL) Facilities Manager Cody Gabehart speaks to us about their library’s experience as an EBSCO Solar grant winner.
When applying for the EBSCO Solar grant, what did your library propose?
RCPL proposed an installation of an estimated $140,000 solar array that would offset a minimum of 40 percent of our electrical demand. With the assistance from EBSCO, we were able to achieve a system with a projected output of 115,130 kwh/year equivalent to an offset of 60-70 percent of our electrical demand, furthering our commitment to reducing our environmental impact. Operating this system for 25 years is the equivalent of planting 99,558 trees and avoiding 2,197 tons of CO2 emissions. RCPL also promised to lead our community in sustainability efforts. We pledged to earmark our savings on utility costs to directly fund expanded sustainability goals including plans for a recently purchased additional 4.9 acres of land adjacent to our existing location. We wanted to emphasize the exponential growth of our investment and how it didn’t just represent this particular project, but a much broader commitment to sustainability efforts.
What is particularly unique about this project?
Outside of the dedication to ensure that this investment continues to evolve past the initial solar installation, I think that being a small, rural library and witnessing how much this has already expanded beyond us truly sets us apart. Being a town mainly comprised of factory districts and farmlands, we knew that our community could benefit immensely from the contribution of solar energy. However, anyone from a small town knows just how impossible such commitments can seem. We began this journey with it being labeled as one of our biggest dreams. It wasn’t until we dedicated ourselves to the research that we found several incentives applicable to us and our community that made this dream seem tangible. Immediately on realizing such, we knew it was our responsibility to see it through and serve as a platform to others.
With EBSCO’s assistance, we were the first civic agency in Russell County, KY, to implement a solar energy system. We have used our experience and installation to create an education point for students, government and business leaders, and community members to great success. We have been and continue to be contacted and visited by several local agencies, small businesses, and residents to discuss the benefits of solar energy, as well as help facilitate grant writing and other incentive applications.
Credit: Ramie Hutchison, Hutch Digital, LLC, Russell Springs, Ky.
What is the one piece of advice that you’d give to libraries looking to apply for the EBSCO Solar grant in 2024?
My advice would be that every instinct you have that would make you hesitate to apply could be exactly what makes you a strong candidate for this grant. Witnessing the impact that started with just a small library blossom into something much bigger has proven how kinetic change can be. Think ahead to how that change may look for your community and pledge yourself to commit to the project on that level. Let them know that this is only the beginning of your sustainability journey and be sure to leave your passion and direction on the page. I believe it helped us stand out more than numbers ever could.
