When you think of the library, most immediately think of collections of books. But twice a year, Leon County public libraries offer a collection of seeds.
That’s right-- beginning on July 29, anyone with a library card can check out packets of seeds.
Scott Joyner with the Leroy Collins Leon County Public Library said the ten vegetables available for check out this summer come with a picture of the seed on the front.
“On the back will be detailed growing instructions, how deep to plant it, how far out to space it, when you should plant it, how much sunlight it needs,” said Joyner. “They’ll literally have everything they need to get started on the packet they check out from the library.”
The Leroy Collins branch will have a kickoff, which will include gardening tips, classes, and cooking demonstrations.
Joyner hopes this will help the community engage in gardening.
“It’s something that more libraries around the country are doing just to give alternative collections that people can check out,” he said. “And it’s a fun way to get people in the library to provide a new service to the community of Leon County and its proven very popular… It’s something that families can do.”
In conjunction with the county extension office, the libraries will be offering ten different vegetables, including spinach, carrots, cilantro, collards and kale.
But unlike the rest of the books in the library—the seeds don’t have to be returned after checkout.
“Every once in a while, someone will bring in a tomato or a squash they made just to show what they made,” said Joyner with a laugh. “We don’t ask them to do that, but we’re just happy to provide the service.”
Seeds can be checked out 3 per month per library card.
