Photo provided STARTING THIS month, new LED lights will be installed at the St. Clairsville Public Library.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The St. Clairsville Public Library expects to save $8,190 annually and create a more reader friendly interior by partnering with Energy Optimizers, USA, to upgrade its lighting systems to light-emitting diodes.

Starting this month, Energy Optimizers, USA, will begin transitioning all interior and exterior lighting to the higher efficiency LED system. The switch will deliver an immediate savings that will continue paying off over time.

“For a relatively small investment, we will earn a tremendous payback that we can reinvest back into the wide array of programs and resources we offer our community,” said Doug Walsh, St. Clairsville Public Library director. “In addition, we believe that the improved lighting will really transform the experience of the nearly 7,000 card holders and other community members who use our facility.”

LED lighting uses an average of 60 percent less energy than the systems being replaced. With a lifetime rating of 50,000 to 100,000 hours, LED lights last three to five times longer than less efficient bulbs, which will reduce the library’s operations and maintenance costs. LED lighting puts out less heat, the library can expect to lower its cooling bills in the summer months.

In addition, LED lighting offers a quality of light that is very close to natural sunlight and does not have the hum and flicker associated with fluorescent lighting. This makes it easier on the eyes, which will benefit library patrons.

“LED lighting is a wise investment when it comes to cutting operational costs while boosting the user experience,” said Greg Smith, Energy Optimizers, USA, president. “By upgrading its lighting, St. Clairsville Public Library will gain more control over its budget, spend fewer dollars on utility bills and provide greater accountability to taxpayers.”

The library’s trustees selected to pay for the project using the Marcyl Lewis Memorial Fund, a fund donated by the Lewis family and set aside for library building improvements. The project is expected to total about $48,000, with the total cost returned in energy savings within the first five years.