| Give to Libraries | by Deborah Hakes
Rita Harris opened up the “K” drawer in the Live Oak Public Libraries’ card catalog, but instead of pulling out an index card with book information, she gave a packet of kale seeds to a young library visitor.
“Our Seed Library inspires healthy eating, environmental education, and hands-on learning for those who want to grow their own food or save seeds,” said Harris, director of community engagement for the library.
The Seed Library began as a great way for Live Oak Public Libraries, a system of 16 library locations serving a three-county region in southeast Georgia, to connect with the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Gardening gives people something positive to focus on and look forward to as they follow the progress of their seeds – and something to celebrate as they see the results of their care for their plants,” said Maryann Brickey, a former librarian with Live Oak Public Libraries, who managed the program until she recently left for another library.
More than 240 patrons have “checked out” about 600 packets of seeds. Families have successfully grown vegetables and herbs at home. And at Southwest Chatham Library, part of the Live Oak Public Libraries system, customers and staff have enjoyed watching their community garden grow.
Krystal Goodwin takes her young children weekly to the library.
“We check out a book about gardening and then take seeds home, too,” she said. “My kids have learned how to read a seed packet: How much sun does a plant need? How much water? They get lessons, even math lessons; for example, how far apart to plant each seed. Their reward is seeing plants grow and being able to eat the produce.”
Krystal learned that some seeds are organic or heirloom, which are of high quality, and that the library changes them out according to the growing season.
“Our library system is so much more than books,” said Krystal. “The library has learning, community, and outreach at its core. Even during this pandemic, we could safely pop in to grab kid activity kits, which were a lifesaver during the times of staying very close to home.”
Colleen M. had always wanted to start a garden in her yard, and with the seeds from the library, her family did it in 2021. “The first thing we grew was zucchini,” said her daughter, Bethany, pictured at left. “I can’t wait to see what we grow this year.” Photo by Colleen M.
The Seed Library is free to anyone, with or without a library card. People can “check out” up to three packets a month. Live Oak is launching Seed Libraries at all of their library locations this spring, and a few libraries also will have raised garden beds.
This program has inspired many other activities at the library, including library partnerships with local nonprofits to provide programming related to gardening, nutrition, and healthy cooking and eating.
The library has a StoryWalk® with the book Plant the Tiny Seed by Christie Matheson, which can be found at Southwest Chatham Library and raises awareness about the Seed Library. Several libraries have started a Spice Club, which gives away a free monthly spice kit along with information and recipes.
The library also partners with a local farmers market food truck that does outreach in areas that are food deserts, some of which coincide with underserved neighborhoods where libraries are located.
Funded through a Georgia Public Library Service strategic partnerships subgrant made possible through the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Seed Library launched in 2020. Live Oak Public Libraries collaborated closely with their local University of Georgia County Extension Office and volunteer master gardeners for expertise and resources to get the Seed Library started.
“Our partnerships grant program was designed to encourage our public libraries to find ways to start or strengthen relationships with other local community-centric organizations,” said Dustin Landrum, partnerships director at Georgia Public Library Service, which empowers libraries to serve all Georgians. “Local partnerships are a win for libraries and their partners because by working together, they amplify their impact in communities.”
Colleen Moultry and her daughter Bethany, 7, were pleasantly surprised when they discovered the Seed Library. But to Colleen, it made sense. “The library is the heartbeat of the community,” she said. “It brings all different kinds of people together, young and old, no matter their background.”
She had always wanted to start a garden in her yard, and with the seeds from the library, her family did it in 2021. “The first thing we grew was zucchini,” said Bethany. “I can’t wait to see what we grow this year.” Learn more about the Seed Library at liveoakpl.org/seedlibrary.
You may be surprised at what you can do at your local library! Ask your librarian if they offer seeds, a community garden, a StoryWalk, or even a beehive. Find your nearest library.
“Our Seed Library inspires healthy eating, environmental education, and hands-on learning for those who want to grow their own food or save seeds.”
