Plants in libraries

[Catherine Lee]

Our library is a light bright attractive facility; we have a number of indoor plants to liven up the environment. I have recently appointed a new staff member who wants to get rid of the plants. Anyone have any arguments I can use to advocate that we retain them please?

[Jennifer Arnott]

Has the new staff member explained why he/she would like to get rid of them? (Allergies, maybe?) Do they make it hard to get to parts of the collection? Are they well maintained?

Barring some specific reason, I'd look at things like indoor air quality (a number of plants improve it, both by putting out more oxygen, and by removing pollutants from the air.) You'd need to research the specific plants to make your best case, of course.

[Catherine Lee]

Perfect! Thanks for reminding me. They are all air purifying plants -- peace lillies & ficus!

[Jessica Hinman]

I can't believe someone wants to get of real plants! In our elementary library we have a huge collection of fake plants that our principal loves and won't let us get rid of, even though they're 12 years old, dusty, and falling apart!

[Catherine Lee]

Oh no! Fake plants I would get rid of them if possible -- it's difficult when senior management likes them!

[Paula Byrne]

Keep the plants. They give off oxygen which improves air quality. I cannot help but think; "Instead of getting rid of the plants, replace the new staff member". Isn't there an option to review and fire those who do not work out? A six month trial period?What will the person object to next?

We have plants in my high school library and the students and staff love them. The plants are not poisonous and emit no smell. Everyone want the spider plant babies. Our Life Skills students come in to water the plants and help out every 7th period. When I bring the plants home to babysit for the summer, the students keep asking when the plants will return. We have an old card catalog near large windows and it is the perfect place for the plants. Our school is a plant-friendly school!

[Stephanie Paul]

I'm with you Paula. I can't imagine any reason to eliminate the plants. I have a few in my middle school library and my Assistant Principal cheered for them when I first brought them in. I will bring my latest spider babies to join the others once they have rooted. My school also has a garden club and many plants in the main office. Someone at Catherine's place just sounds grumpy.

[Anita L. Vance]

Your plants are contributing to the greening of your atmosphere. They also have a calming effect on the patrons who enter, helping to soothe frazzled nerves by bringing some memory of peaceful outdoors to mind. The malls, hospitals and other large group environments add the 'oasis of greenery' to help with that very concept, encouraging people to extend their time in the establishment, or lessen their fears....