The Oakley library has joined a growing effort to help people live their lives while protecting the planet at the same time.

The library recently established its new Green Zone, a special section featuring a collection of books, audio-visuals and periodicals that focus on environmental sustainability.

“People seem to be more aware of the concept of going green and more people seem to be interested in it since it is a way to help protect the planet and save money,” said Oakley Library Manager Liz Fuller. “People are interested in making some changes so that they can reduce their carbon footprint, and we’ve got a lot of different books and videos that will give people ideas about how they can get started.”

The collection currently contains about 50 items, most of which were purchased specially for the new Green Zone. District V Supervisor Federal Glover saw the Green Zone model at the Pleasant Hill Library, which opened its Zone last October, and found funding so that Oakley, Antioch and Pittsburg could implement their own programs. Oakley Disposal also contributed funds to get its city’s Green Zone going, which debuted in January. Fuller hopes to continue expanding the collection, which contains everything from “Eco-Housekeeping” to “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Living,” throughout the year. She said people may make monetary donations specifically to the library to expand the Green Zone.

Other materials guests will find in the Green Zone include books about green crafts, composting, gardening, green shopping and building, recycling, water conservation, green baby care and alternative energy.

Fuller said she hopes to plan some educational programs for this summer to complement the Green Zone and inform residents about ways they can go green.

The Contra Costa County Library also offers helpful hints about green living on its Web site, www.guides.ccclib.org/greenzone.

For more information about the Oakley Green Zone, call the Oakley Library at 925-625-2400.