'Bit of everything': Interest in seed libraries still growing

A staff member’s passion for gardening 10 years ago has created a legacy program that is among the most popular at the Essa Public Library.

Started in 2015, the library’s seed library was a simple idea that has grown steadily since inception. A couple of years after launching, a TD Green Grant allowed the township's library to make a significant expansion. 

Today, it’s a robust and popular library item that gets extra attention at this time of year.

“The seed library is very popular and our community makes great use of it,” said Emily Nakeff, coordinator of public engagement for the Essa Public Library. “Those who know we offer this look forward to it each year, and those who are learning about it for the first time are often excited and amazed to discover the more unique side of our collection. 

“There is certainly a sense of enjoyment around the seed library that we love to see,” she added.

While the folks in Essa have a decade of experience managing their seed library, the staff at the Springwater Public Library are sophomores, kicking off the second year of their program.

“We started our program in full force last year,” said Nicole Morneau, a library technician with the Springwater Public Library’s Midhurst branch. “We promoted it with a few programs in Elmvale — we had guest speakers from the Simcoe County master gardeners — and we plan on doing it again this year.”

On May 14 at 6 p.m., the Elmvale branch will host a program dedicated to best practices and best plants for shade gardening, including some attractive seasonal and perennial combinations.

On May 16 at 4 p.m., the Midhurst branch will host Bee and Butterfly Watering Station, a "how-to" session for children who want to build a water feature that helps support garden pollinators.

The next day, May 17, Bee and Butterfly Watering Station will be held at the Elmvale branch at 3:30 p.m.

The cost for each session is $3.

While there’s a fee for the workshops, it’s the only time you’ll have to go into your pocket.

Taking seeds from the seed library in both townships is free. And you can have as many as you want.

All you need in Essa Township is your library membership, which is also free to all residents of Essa.

In Springwater, they’re not checking library cards, so anyone in the community can take advantage of the program.

Essa’s seed library is primarily composed of vegetables and herbs. 

“We focus primarily on food, to offer the opportunity for people to learn about sustainable and regenerative food choices,” Nakeff said. “While the focus is on food, we do have one or two flowers as well, depending on what comes in by donation.”

The opposite is true in Springwater; they have more flowers than food.

Nasturtium, marigolds, echinacea, zinnias, asters, daisies and petunias are popular varieties. There are some vegetables but the selection is not huge. Beans, carrots, eggplants and lettuce top the edible category.

“We have a bit of everything,” said Moreneau. “It depends on what people have donated.”

To get the seeds you’d like, all you have to do is visit, tell a library staffer what you’re looking for and they’ll help take care of the rest.

“Simply choose your herbs and vegetables from our seed library, check them out at the welcome desk, and grow them at home,” said Nakeff. “At the end of the season, any seeds from your harvest can be shared back with the library to restock the seed library for next year.”

The cycle of life complete.