What makes this program even more unique is its grassroots origins. According to adult programming librarian Michelle Steinhusen, it started when a library patron first contacted her with the novel concept that has been popping up like weeds at other institutions around the country.
“At that time, we weren't really set up for it, but it was something we were interested in,” Steinhusen began, noting that outreach librarian Emily Brady has been connecting with operators of local community gardens as well as the St. Albert Botanic Park to get ideas and advice.
“We just decided: let's just do it.”
The original plan was for library staff to already be collecting seed donations from community gardeners to plump up its current stock before hosting a kick-off event in early April. Naturally, all library programs have been postponed and the facility itself is closed indefinitely due to the health restrictions imposed because of the spread of the COVID-19 virus. People should pay attention to the library’s website at sapl.ca for future updates on when this will be rescheduled.
Its seed collection has been started by generous donations from Canadian seed companies. Those members of the public who also wish to help out the program will be able to bring donations of open-pollinated native flower and vegetable seeds to the second floor information desk (at the downtown location only) when the library re-opens.
“We tried to focus on what’s easy to grow and easy to harvest – beans, peas, tomatoes – for people who are just trying to get started.”
When it does re-emerge, the kick-off event will feature a special program called On Seed to Seed hosted by local master gardener Dale Ford. She will share the best ways for budding greenthumbs to start plants from seeds, and which plants to choose that are optimal for seed harvesting. Library staff will also be on hand to share information about the Seed Library.
“We’re going to help them basically from seed selection to seed harvesting so we can have an ongoing program, and it's not going to cost people anything so there's no barrier to gardening, or growing your own food or growing flowers or native plants. I think it’s awesome,” Ford said.
Ford, a master gardener who graduated through the University of Guelph, has been a volunteer at the botanic park for five years, coming here from Ottawa. There, she helped other master gardeners run an advice clinic, helping people switch from pesticides and herbicides, be successful composters, and otherwise be able to grow everything under the sun.
Seeds will be given out throughout the spring and summer, while stocks last.
“We're going to start off with a seed starting workshop to show people how to grow from seeds. A lot of people have lost that skill over time, especially in urban environments: you go to the store, you buy six plants, you plop them in their garden, which is nice. But for the cost of those six plants, you could have unlimited plants with a pack of seeds,” she continued. “And then with the Seed Library, you don't even have any cost.”
Those who take part in the program will also be encouraged to harvest seeds on their own and bring them back in for recirculation through the program. Ford will host another program at the end of summer to offer tips about harvesting seeds for the next planting season.
Steinhusen is excited to see how this program will not only offer more people the ability to grow their own food but it will also ideally encourage more non-hybrid and heritage plants in the community.
A library card is not required to use the Seed Library but there will be a membership program to sign up for. Patrons will be limited to three seed packets each for the first year of the program. More information can be obtained by calling the library’s information desk at 780-459-1682.
