Research Guides: Surplus at Circulation: Home

What is Surplus at Circulation?

Surplus @ Circulation is a Public Health Initiative that embraces Laudato Si’: Caring for Creation as a means to support environmental health through the repurposing of basic office supplies gathered from across the Saint Francis University Community. The opportunity was first realized following the merging of departments and offices across the University in 2019 which created excess office supplies such as staplers, scissors and the like. Recognizing the “surplus” the Department of Public Health and Graduate Health Sciences spearheaded an undertaking in partnership with the Library and the Purchasing Department to gather and repurpose the office supplies.

This initiative is seen as a resourceful means to live as Pope Francis directs, so that together we ultimately minimize the impact of climate change, especially that which greatly affects "the poorest of the poor". Such an enterprise honors Pope Francis and his appeal to "every person living on this planet" to take "swift and unified action” to minimize consumerism as a means to address the issue of global warming and rise to the challenge to "care for our common home” through the act of recycling.

Additionally, this initiative provides an opportunity for the campus community to act as "good stewards" of University resources as the repurposing of unused items helps departments to obtain materials for free. Departments who donate items will also receive an end of year contribution statement (noting an estimated market value of items) to demonstrate their participation and actions of fiscal responsibility.

Please join with us, as together we respond to the Pope's appeal to live the Gospel, embrace Catholic Social Teaching and care for our common home.

To request or donate office supplies or with questions please contact the Library Public Services staff at 814-472-3160 or email circulation@francis.edu.