Keep Louisiana Beautiful offers litter kits available for checkout at area libraries

Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) launched the Get Down & Clean Up program in collaboration with the State Library of Louisiana and the Louisiana Public Library System, making litter clean-up supplies readily available at public libraries across the state in spring 2023. Today, the program has grown to 127 participating libraries in 41 parishes, and more than 1,000 litter kits have been checked out by library patrons to care for their local communities.

“Louisianans are tired of living in a dirty state,” said Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser. “The Get Down & Clean Up program makes it possible for people to easily do their part and demonstrate community pride.”

“The Get Down & Clean Up program is a great hands-on way for families, homeschool groups, youth groups, and scouts to care for their neighborhood,” said Susan Russell, KLB Executive Director. “If we all pitch in and keep our communities clean and beautiful, we’ll experience an improved environment and quality of life.”

Included in the Get Down & Clean Up litter kits are safety vests, litter grabbers, trash bags, and instructions. Anyone with a library card can check-out a litter kit and return it after use. Participants are encouraged to scan the QR code available on the kit instructions and fill out a quick report sharing information about their cleanup.

“Libraries these days are books and so much more. They’ve become true community hubs, and this is just another example of that,” said State Librarian Meg Placke. “We’re proud so many libraries are taking part in this important program, and we’re even happier so many people are working so hard to help keep our state looking its best. It’s a great win-win.”

The libraries with the greatest number of litter kit checkouts are Shreve Memorial Library, Jackson Parish Library, and Ouachita Parish Library. This program is free to all public libraries and there is no cost to check out a litter kit. Adult supervision is required when the kit is in use.

The public can access the list of participating libraries and the Get Down music playlist on the Get Down & Clean Up webpage. KLB encourages people to share photos of their cleanups on social media and tag @KeepLouisianaBeautiful.