With the Kent District Library’s new
seed library, a self-perpetuating collection of heirloom seeds, borrowers are entreated to take seeds, propagate them in their personal gardens, and then properly dry and return new seeds to the library after harvest. Those lacking a seasoned green thumb won’t have to fear a visit from the library cop, though, as traditional library law doesn’t apply.
“While we have a generic library record for the library seeds in our library catalog, we didn't intend for people to check them out like they would a regular library item. They register to join the seed library and we will use their contact information to remind them about saving seeds in August,” KDL Assistant Director Michelle Boisvenue-Fox said. “Rest assured, no one will get overdue fines for not returning seeds to us. We also won’t be put out if beginning gardeners take seeds and don't save seeds. If we get them started growing their own food, sharing their harvest bounty with family and friends that we have started them down this road, that's a great thing!”
The KDL offers a guide to using the seed library, established at
13 branch locations and not limited to KDL cardholders, on its
website.