Madison Public Library’s Seed Library Returns March 1
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MADISON, WI -- Madison Public Library’s popular Seed Library program will return on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Select library locations offer free seeds for visitors throughout the spring, summer and fall. Madison Public Library’s Seed Library is expanding this year to include a fifth library location - Sequoya Library.
“We're so excited to be offering our first Seed Library at Sequoya! We wanted a fun way to support sustainability, as we know it’s something our patrons care deeply about,” said Rachel Davidson, Community Engagement Librarian at Sequoya Library. “We hope they enjoy and use this free collection to start conversations with their neighbors, brighten their backyards, and make our community as a whole a more beautiful place.”
The Seed Library first came to Madison Public Library as part of a larger county-wide initiative in 2014. After the initial grant funding ran out for the county-based program, Madison Public Library continued to fund it through the Friends of Madison Public Library and Madison Public Library Foundation. Over the past nine years, the number and variety of seeds has grown, as well as the number of locations offering this service.
“The seed library was originally hosted at Lakeview and Goodman South Madison Libraries, and, based on community interest, expanded in 2022 to include Meadowridge and Pinney libraries,” said Hannah Majeska, Community Engagement Librarian at Lakeview Library. “Demand for seeds has been high since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to grow each year.”
Visitors can visit participating libraries to pick up vegetable, fruit, herb and flower seeds throughout the spring and summer. There is no limit to the number of seed packets you can take and each packet contains about 10 seeds. However, once seeds are gone, they won’t be restocked until late Fall when the library transitions its collection to feature native Wisconsin plant seeds.
The Seed Library has been a source of inspiration for library staff over the years, as well, prompting them to create gardening book lists and programs to accompany the seed collection. The goal is to do more than just provide seeds, but to also support the community in their gardening journeys.
“The seed library is important for a number of reasons. The ability to grow one's own food -- whether in garden beds or containers -- promotes food security. Eating fresh vegetables and fruits supports physical health. Gardening is also a mindful activity that encourages folks to get outdoors and connect with nature, which benefits mental wellbeing,” said Majeska.
Upcoming Programs:
Free seeds are available at the following libraries beginning today:
About Madison Public Library
Madison Public Library’s tradition of promoting education, literacy and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for more than 145 years. Visit the library online at www.madisonpubliclibrary.org, madisonpubliclibrary on Facebook, @madisonlibrary on Twitter, or @madisonpubliclibrary on Instagram.
“We're so excited to be offering our first Seed Library at Sequoya! We wanted a fun way to support sustainability, as we know it’s something our patrons care deeply about,” said Rachel Davidson, Community Engagement Librarian at Sequoya Library. “We hope they enjoy and use this free collection to start conversations with their neighbors, brighten their backyards, and make our community as a whole a more beautiful place.”
The Seed Library first came to Madison Public Library as part of a larger county-wide initiative in 2014. After the initial grant funding ran out for the county-based program, Madison Public Library continued to fund it through the Friends of Madison Public Library and Madison Public Library Foundation. Over the past nine years, the number and variety of seeds has grown, as well as the number of locations offering this service.
“The seed library was originally hosted at Lakeview and Goodman South Madison Libraries, and, based on community interest, expanded in 2022 to include Meadowridge and Pinney libraries,” said Hannah Majeska, Community Engagement Librarian at Lakeview Library. “Demand for seeds has been high since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to grow each year.”
Visitors can visit participating libraries to pick up vegetable, fruit, herb and flower seeds throughout the spring and summer. There is no limit to the number of seed packets you can take and each packet contains about 10 seeds. However, once seeds are gone, they won’t be restocked until late Fall when the library transitions its collection to feature native Wisconsin plant seeds.
The Seed Library has been a source of inspiration for library staff over the years, as well, prompting them to create gardening book lists and programs to accompany the seed collection. The goal is to do more than just provide seeds, but to also support the community in their gardening journeys.
“The seed library is important for a number of reasons. The ability to grow one's own food -- whether in garden beds or containers -- promotes food security. Eating fresh vegetables and fruits supports physical health. Gardening is also a mindful activity that encourages folks to get outdoors and connect with nature, which benefits mental wellbeing,” said Majeska.
Upcoming Programs:
- House Plant Propagation Swap: March 2, 4-5PM | Goodman South Madison Library
- Seed Starting: March 4, 10-11:30AM | Goodman South Madison Library
- Healthy Houseplants: March 16, 6:30-7:30PM
- Container Gardening: April 15, 2-3PM | Pinney Library
- Container Gardening: April 27, 6:30-7:30PM | Lakeview Library
Free seeds are available at the following libraries beginning today:
- Goodman South Library [2222 S. Park St]
- Lakeview Library [2845 N. Sherman Ave]
- Meadowridge Library [5726 Raymond Rd]
- Pinney Library [516 Cottage Grove Rd]
- Sequoya Library [4340 Tokay Blvd]
About Madison Public Library
Madison Public Library’s tradition of promoting education, literacy and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for more than 145 years. Visit the library online at www.madisonpubliclibrary.org, madisonpubliclibrary on Facebook, @madisonlibrary on Twitter, or @madisonpubliclibrary on Instagram.
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