Sprouting an Idea: A Seed Library

THE MEMBERS OF the Town and Country 4-H Club in Essex helped build the housing for the new seed library at Fossil Ridge Library in Braidwood. Photo provided.

By: 
STAFF REPORT

New ideas are taking root at Fossil Ridge Public Library District.

Patrons can now add vegetable, fruit, and herb seeds to their list of checkouts.

“The library is comprised of life-long learners and we want to provide our patrons with new opportunities and experiences to grow,” said Katelynn Clark, Adult and Teen Librarian and coordinator of the project.

This project grew with a lot of help from the community.

Clark reached out to the local Town and Country 4-H Club in Essex, to help build and paint the structure with professional supervision.

“The kids had a blast choosing the materials, painting and designing the little seed library and even donating the first seed packets. It was amazing to see a young group of kids come together to build something which will help so many others,” Clark said.

The seed library is designed to encourage gardening and provide the community with the ability to grow their own food. All library district adult patrons are allowed to “check-out” up to five seed packets per week after filling out a short form.

The seed library will run from March through August displaying a collection of seeds throughout the planting season.

The Fossil Ridge Public Library District issued a special thank you to Atlee Burpee, local 4-H extension offices, and Braidwood’s Whitmore Ace Hardware for their donations of seeds, Shorewood Home Depot for their donation of building materials, and a special thank you to Judge Mary Kay O’Brien for her efforts in initiating a collaboration between Town and Country 4-Hers and the Fossil Ridge Public Library.