Eureka Springs Carnegie Library is offering seed packets for vegetables and native plants just in time to whet your appetite for spring gardening. Each patron can receive up to 10 packets of free seed and you never have to check them back in, although collecting seeds from your plants to add to the seed library next year is encouraged.
This is the program’s second year.
“Seed libraries are something that many other libraries are doing across the country,” manager April Griffith said. “Seeds help serve the mission of libraries as an educational tool that we share with our communities to help foster resilience and knowledge with hands-on exploration.”
Griffith said this is part of an emerging trend of libraries circulating collections of things – particularly items that are occasionally useful but difficult to store, or too expensive for everyone to have their own – circulating telescope, binoculars, WiFi hotspots, and cognitive care kits. Collections vary from library to library, but go well beyond magazines, books and DVDs of traditional collections.
“This is one of the many ways that libraries have pivoted in the past few decades to best serve our patrons, as educational and informational needs have evolved,” Griffith said, adding that response has been wonderful.
The most difficult part might be choosing only ten from the 139 different varieties of seeds available this year. The seeds include a large number of wildflower plants, included because so many Eurekans are interested in natives and pollinator plants.
“This past year when so many folks were staying home and starting gardens, major seed suppliers experienced shortages and we were able to help get seeds to our patrons who were ready to start gardening,” she said. “We mailed seeds out to folks who couldn’t make it here, and others picked them up from the curbside tables.”
Last year librarian Sarah Wright attended the seed swap at Tricycle Farms to get the collection started, and this year, they received a credit to purchase more seeds directly from Baker Creek.
“We’re also hoping this year that people who ‘borrow’ seeds will return harvested seeds after the plants they grow from what is borrowed come to maturity – that’s how a seed library is sustained in most seed library models,” Griffith said.
Many people have reported that gardening has become even more important to them during the pandemic when so many other usual activities aren’t safe. Being outdoors, getting your hands dirty, and watching plants grow became increasingly rewarding.
“I absolutely believe that gardening has increased in importance for people during this pandemic,” Griffith, who is a gardener, said. “It gives them a sense of autonomy, calm and control in an otherwise tumultuous time. Plus, studies have shown that gardening can help reduce depression and anxiety, which is something I think a lot of people need right now.”
Patrons can access the list by going to the library website, the page that shows our “Beyond Books” library of collection eurekalibrary.org/beyond-books/. Email requests for up to 10 seed packets at info@eurekalibrary.org, or call (479) 253-8754.