Madison Country Library opens Seed Library at branches

Special to The Canton News

The Camden, Canton and Flora branches of the Madison County library system (MCLS) are starting a seed library, part of their commitment to increase their ability to feed the community “tasty, wholesome food by offering seeds and education in this free program. In simple terms, a seed library is just how it sounds– it loans seeds to gardeners.”

Gardeners “borrow” seeds from the library at planting time. At the end of the growing season, they save seeds from the plants and return a portion of the seeds to the library.  
The seed library operates on the honor system. One becomes a member automatically when they donate or check out seeds to plant and fill out a membership application. 
MCLS encourages all members to learn basic seed-saving techniques. They ask that beginning seed savers grow out and return seeds from beans, peas, tomatoes, and peppers the first year.  

Those who are unable to save their own seed are asked to donate a packet or two of fresh, commercially grown seeds. Returned and donated seeds will allow MCLS to keep the libraries well-stocked. Seeds may be brought to any one of these three branches. 

The benefits of a seed lending library are many: it is a way to have fun, build community with fellow gardeners, and support people who are new to the world of gardening. Through the time-honored tradition of seed saving, participants can celebrate biodiversity, nurture locally adapted plant varieties, and foster community resilience, self-reliance and a culture of sharing.  

To get involved, community members can bring seeds to a local branch, fill out the front and back of the membership form, and then make plans to visit the Canton or Flora branch for a plant swap soon. To check out seeds, interested individuals should fill out a membership form and seed label at any of the three branches or download the form from the MCLS website and stop by their branch.

MCLS is also looking for gardeners who have an interest in teaching on gardening topics. Interested individuals are asked to reach out to one of the Branch Managers at Camden, Canton or Flora libraries or email Maggie Mayer at [email protected] or call 601-859-7733 ext. 108.