Update (4/10): We just received a bumper crop of new seeds from SeedWay, and there are some great new varieties, including lettuce, and herbs such as dill and cilantro. We’re also now keeping the seeds in the library’s old card catalog near the front desk so it’s easier for you to ‘shop.’ Just pick out up to five packets and take them to the front desk with your library card to ‘check out.’
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If nicer weather has you itching to dig in the dirt and dreaming of sweet summer corn and watermelon, we have something to help you get started — free seed packets!
That’s right. You can get up to five free seed packets per checkout with your library card through our ‘seed lending library,’ which is now in its third year.
There’s everything from that sweet corn to cucumbers, eggplant to carrots, and beets to watermelon. Nearly two dozen varieties in all, and we’re working on adding more to the mix. And don’t let the word ‘lending’ fool you — unlike books or DVDs that you have to return in a few weeks — the seed packets are totally yours to keep. Consider it a permanent loan, and just one of the many perks of being a library patron — thanks to local businesses including Gurneys and SeedWay, which have donated seeds the past two years.
The seed library is located next to our ‘catalog’ computers near the front desk. Just pick out up to five cards and take them to the desk to pick up your packets, then get germinating or planting now so that you’ll have a bounty of delicious healthy food later.
Quantities are limited, but you can currently take up to five packets each time you check out, so stop in to get yours soon, then check in from time to time to see what else has been added and complete your garden.
If you’d like to contribute to the seed library, you can donate gift cards for the library to purchase more seeds, or you can donate extra unopened seed packets that you may have left over from your own gardening. Due to FDA regulations, though, we can only take seeds that are in official, sealed retail packaging.
Also, when it’s time to harvest, you can ‘give back’ by dropping off your extra produce at the library once a week, where Plant A Row Lehigh Valley will pick it up and distribute it to area residents who are in need. Be on the lookout for more details in the summer.
For now, get your seeds and your green thumb and let’s get growing!
