Muhlenberg County Public Libraries is growing … literally!
Muhlenberg County Public Libraries, in collaboration with the Muhlenberg County Conservation District, are excited to open the newest addition to the library’s family of services – a “seed library” – this month.
Starting March 1, free garden seeds will be available to all library cardholders. Library users may each choose up to 14 packets of seeds to take home for planting and enjoying.
Quantities are limited, and seeds will be available on a first come, first served basis. The library has well over 5,000 packages of seeds to give away. However, some varieties are more limited than others, so visit early if you have specific needs!
The Muhlenberg County Seed Library includes 14 different varieties of vegetables, so community members can get one of each type available or, if necessary, can mix and match.
“We wanted to tie this into healthy eating,” library director Janet Harris explained. She said she hopes that those in the community will use the seed library to help grow fresh, healthy produce to supplement their diets.
“We want to give back and help people put healthy food on their table.”
Available seeds this year will include:
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Radish
- Carrot
- Cucumber
- Zucchini
- Squash
- Green pepper
- Peas
- Beans (2 varieties)
- Tomatoes (3 varieties)
Harris said the seed library will only be available at Harbin Memorial library in Greenville this year, until the organization can get a better idea of what to expect. “We wanted to start out small,” and see where it goes, she said.
She hopes to be able to offer seeds at multiple locations next year, as long as this year goes as well as expected.
Harris said the library is also hoping to offer some related programming later in the summer, although it’s still early to finalize those plans right now.
“We’re really hoping this will take off and be a great thing for the county,” Harris said. “We’re just happy to be able to offer these free seeds to our community.”
The seed library is co-sponsored by Muhlenberg County Public Libraries and the Muhlenberg County Conservation District. Funding was provided in the form of mini-grants from Owensboro Health.
A valid Muhlenberg County Public Library card is required to receive free seeds.
Library cards are available for free to all Muhlenberg County residents with proof of residence. Property owners and those who work in Muhlenberg County are also eligible for a free library card with appropriate proof, and cards are also available for a $25/year fee for those who do not meet the residency requirements.
For more information about the seed library or other library services, please call Muhlenberg County Public Libraries at 270-338-4760.
