We are always interested in knowing what our patrons want.
Your ideas and feedback can help shape the services we offer. Our seed library is a perfect example of this.
A while back a library patron requested that we add seeds to our library collection. We did a lot of research and started a collection of small pouches of seeds in our old card catalog file. The collection has been embraced by the community. We allow patrons to take a few packets of the seeds home for free. You do not even need a library card to be able to have some seeds. Patrons have even donated seeds to help our collection grow. So far the library has not spent any money to create or maintain this collection.
When we started researching the seed library, part of the challenge was where to store the seeds yet keep them easily accessible to the public. The organizational task fit perfectly with our old cataloging system still located behind the circulation desk. We also liked the idea of utilizing the system in a new way since it is such an important part of our history.
Because of the success of our seed library, we have started offering a monthly Seeds and Sprouts Swap. One Saturday a month at 9 AM, you can come and get a bigger selection of plants. We encourage the public to bring harder-to-store seeds and sprouts to this event. It is a great time to exchange, collect, and learn more about local plants and growing. Many community members have been able to share tips and tricks for growing in our region. If you are new to the area, it can be an easy way to learn about local plants, how to grow in our region, and meet new people.
The seed library started because we truly want to bring to the community services, programs, and items that the community wants and will utilize. Additionally, there is collaborative learning about the library and our programs related to the library. But there are other benefits to our seed library. Have you ever bought a packet of seeds and had a large amount left that you are never going to use? Do you save them? Do you throw them away? Not sure what to do? Now the solution can be to simply drop them off at the library and share them with the community. Be sure to pick up some new seeds while you’re here.
Patrons can grow the seeds found at the library and learn and share which types of seeds thrive in our climate and those that do not. It is a great chance, too, for patrons who grow strong, thriving plants to share the seeds with us, and the next set of growth should be stronger and more resilient and adapted to our specific area. We have many drawers of our old card catalog empty, and our goal is to continue to grow our library until all of them are full. If there are seeds you would like but we do not have, fill out a request for purchase just like you would for a book.
Make plans this spring to stop by the library to learn more about our seed library!
Article written by Sarah Jones and originally published in Focus on Carlsbad 2024 Spring edition.
Sarah Jones
Sarah was born and raised in Carlsbad New Mexico. She got her BA in Advertising from Kansas State University and her Masters of Library Science from Emporia State University. She has been a librarian for 13 years. She got her love of reading and the importance of education from her parents. Currently she is the Director of Carlsbad Public Library. She has spent her career serving on boards and working with Community Organizations on education, literacy, supporting women, and the freedom to read. She enjoys reading, traveling, giving back, and spending time with her family and son William.
