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Solar Library Program

The Winding Rivers Library System is helping member libraries address high energy costs and tight library budgets through our Solar Cohort Program. Through this program, our team is guiding interested libraries in strengthening their infrastructure with sustainable, cost-saving solutions.

Logo with a stylized sun, blue grid, solar panels, and text reading Transitioning to renewable energy is made possible as we build connections and partnerships throughout our communities to uncover grants, incentives, and donors who value this work. Established in 2024 through the generosity of a local donor, the Solar Library Grant supports these sustainability efforts in our member libraries.

All contributions to this fund are dedicated to creating and enhancing sustainability projects across library facilities and grounds, with a strong focus on solar energy.

Program Contact

For more information or to learn how you can support this program, please contact:

Jessica Schoonover

WRLS Projects and Grants Manager

Email: jessica@wrlsweb.org

Telephone: 800-477-7131

Solar Cohort Participating Libraries

Exciting work is being done as libraries in our seven-county region invest in renewable energy and serve as a model, inspiration, and place of education regarding renewable energy sources and their impacts financially and environmentally.

Three individuals stand on the sidewalk in front of the Hillsboro Public Library with solar panels on the roof the library visible behind them.

Hillsboro Public Library

  • Installed in 2025 by Ethos Green Power Coop
  • 17.25 kW DC
  • 20,260 kWh annual production
  • 99% offset of electrical needs

Learn more about their solar project at https://hillsborolibrary.wrlsweb.org/ 

Three individuals sit in the shade on a bench outside of the Ontario Public Library while the sun shines on solar panels on the roof of the library above them.

Ontario Public Library

  • Installed in 2025 by Ethos Green Power Coop
  • 29.9 kW DC
  • 30,180 kWh annual production
  • 99% offset of electrical needs

Learn more about their solar project at https://ontariolibrary.wrlsweb.org/ 

Front entrance of the Whitehall Public Library with clear view of an array of solar panels on the roof line facing the street.

Whitehall Public Library

  • Installed in 2025 by Olson Solar Energy
  • 32.5 kW DC
  • 38,292 kWh annual production
  • 100% offset of electrical needs

Learn more about their solar project at https://whtlpl.org/ 

Yellow background with network pattern and "COMING SOON" text in the center.

Alma Public Library

Yellow background with network pattern and "COMING SOON" text in the center.

Elroy Public Library

Yellow background with network pattern and "COMING SOON" text in the center.

Independence Public Library

Yellow background with network pattern and "COMING SOON" text in the center.

Mondovi Public Library

Yellow background with network pattern and "COMING SOON" text in the center.

Wonewoc Public Library

Yellow background with network pattern and "COMING SOON" text in the center.

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