The Jake Epp Library is expanding what it offers to the community, with a new seed library set to launch this spring.
Outreach and Content Coordinator Jill Snider says the initiative is exactly what it sounds like.
“It is a collection of seeds that we’ve been collecting from very generous donors, and we are hoping to launch it on April 20th. The intent is that people can take seeds for free.”
Breaking down barriers to gardening
Snider explains that getting started is simple as it requires only a basic membership sign-up.
“That way we can track the numbers of who’s using it and hopefully break down some of those boundaries for people who are wanting to get into gardening or just be able to grow their own food. It’s a great thing and we’re very excited to start it this year.”
A community-driven collection
The seed library is built on donations, including contributions from local gardeners and organizations.
“I have a little prairie garden that’s all native plants, and I actually have donated some of my own seeds to this collection as well,” Sinder says.
She notes that the variety of seeds available is one of the program’s biggest strengths, offering unique options that are not always easy to find in stores.
“We actually got a generous donation from the Steinbach Garden Club, and we’ve been processing them into our collection. It’s really fun to see some of those unique varieties of plants that people have been growing and now donating generously to us so we can keep that going, keep the seeds growing, and hopefully get some of them back at the end of the season as well.”
Related Stories:
Inspired by other communities
The idea for the seed library began taking shape last spring after seeing similar programs succeed in nearby communities.
“We noticed that a couple of other libraries in the region have also been starting up their own seed libraries. I believe Carman Library and Portage also have their own seed libraries.”
Snider says those examples helped spark the decision to move forward locally, recognizing the value such a program can bring.
“It promotes biodiversity, sustainability, and affordability for a lot of people who are on a tight budget. It’s just another additional resource that we can provide. Now we are starting it up ourselves, and we’re very excited to see how it grows and how it develops over the next couple of years.”
Keeping the cycle going
Donations will continue to play a key role in the program’s success. Seeds can be dropped off at the library’s circulation desk, where they will be sorted and added to the collection.
“We will be processing them as we have the time. Once the seed library is launched, we will kind of be feeling it out. It’s our first year, so we’re going to see how it goes, but we’re hopeful that we will continue to collect donations throughout the years and kind of keep the cycle going.”
Snider hopes participants will eventually return seeds at the end of the growing season, helping the program sustain itself.
“We do have resources for people who are not new to seed sharing and harvesting, and we can help you figure that part out as you need help with it.”
A passion for growing
For Snider, gardening is more than just a hobby, it’s a passion, particularly when it comes to flowers.
“I especially like some of the native flowers that grow in this area, so brown-eyed Susans, blanket flower, even beautiful blue flax, just anything that is pretty and kind of grows all year round are my favourites.”
Launch date
The seed library officially launches April 20 at the Jake Epp Library, offering a wide selection of vegetable, fruit, herb, flower, and native plant seeds for the community to enjoy.
With files from Judy Peters
Comments are closed.