by Terese Winters, Information Services Librarian
“Happy Seed-iversary!” This past Saturday, Lawrence Public Library opened its Seed Library, opens a new window to the public for the 10th year. In 2014, the Seed Library started providing cost-free fruit, vegetable, herb and flower seeds. Anyone is welcome to help themselves to five seed packets every year. Each envelope contains basic planting instructions and is carefully packaged and labeled by staff and volunteers. The Seed Library opens every year in February and stays stocked with seeds until the end of April, or until we run out of supplies.
As you all know, the library loves getting feedback from our community! The feedback we’ve received on our Seed Library in recent years has overwhelmingly told us that our community wants to grow more native plants to support our pollinators and wildlife—an initiative that would make any nature-lover smile. We always appreciate feedback and do our best to be responsive to community needs, which is why we are excited to offer more native plant species this year thanks to an Elizabeth Schultz Environment Fund Grant! Our native plant seeds are purchased from Native Lands Restoration Collaborative, who is partnering with the library to provide education on sustainable growing practices in addition to seeds.
In preparation for the Seed Library opening, we hosted a Seed Packaging Gathering event with Native Lands Restoration Collaborative. We were overjoyed 75 community members attended eager to help. In just a couple of hours, this dedicated crew packaged 2,674 native plant seeds! Thank you to everyone who contributed their time.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary Seed Library opening on Saturday, February 10, we hosted a Local Growers Meet & Greet with organizations doing demonstrations on everything from apple tree grafting to using worms for composting to making wildflower seed bombs. We were joined by Native Lands Restoration Collaborative, Haskell Greenhouse, Lawrence Fruit Tree Project, Clinton Parkway Nursery, Douglas County Extension Master Gardeners, Lawrence Public Library’s Kids’ Action Club, the Food Policy Council of Douglas County, Wild Ivy Herb Farm, and Common Ground. Everyone who came through learned something new and picked up some seeds. A couple of little ones were even hoping to adopt a worm.
For more information on the Seed Library, gardening resources, and nature events, go here. Questions? Email Terese Winters, Information Services Librarian at twinters@lplks.org or Information Services as a whole at eref@lplks.org.
We look forward to seeing how your gardens bloom. “Snap what you sow” and tag us on social media with pictures of your results from the Seed Library!
Facebook: @lawrencepubliclibrary | Instagram: @lawrencelibrary
We are thankful to community members and local organizations who donate to our Seed Library, including but not limited to Cottin’s Hardware, Common Ground, Earl May, Lawrence Feed & Farm Supply, and Native Lands Restoration Collaborative.
About Lawrence Public Library
Lawrence Public Library (LPL for short) is a community hub that believes in the power of connecting with each other through shared knowledge and resources. Located in the heart of Downtown Lawrence, Kansas, we are committed to providing a space where our community can learn, connect, create, and grow through access to our vast collections, resources, services, programs, and knowledgeable staff. The library is supported by tax dollars, record-breaking book sales and philanthropic efforts by the LPL Friends & Foundation, and the dedicated efforts of more than 300 volunteers. All are welcome.
