Warsaw Community Public Library staff members Leslie Jeffreys, left, and Erica Bennington are shown with the Seed Library. Photo provided by Warsaw Community Public Library.

By Sarah Neel
Communications Manager
Warsaw Community Public Library

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Public Library has cultivated a unique resource for our community: a Seed Library, which offers patrons the opportunity to grow their own produce, flowers and herbs.

I recently sat down with two library staff members, Erica Bennington and Leslie Jeffreys, to discuss the creation of the Seed Library and its current impact and offerings.

Bennington, inspired by a similar initiative in Springfield, Mo., brought the idea of a Seed Library to the library in 2018. Motivated by a desire to provide the community with more than just traditional library resources, Bennington saw an opportunity to address patrons’ needs.

“I started hearing from patrons that they were having problems paying for food and would like to learn how to garden, but they didn’t know where to start or how to find seeds,” she said.

With the support of library leadership, a proposal was crafted and approved, leading to the establishment of the Seed Library in 2019. Through a generous donation from Baker Creek in Missouri, the library amassed a diverse collection of seeds, ranging from heirloom vegetables to vibrant flowers.

The following year, Jeffreys reached out to our local Lowe’s. She explained, “I sent Lowe’s a letter, and they ended up giving us three or four big boxes of seeds. It was huge. And then, this year, Tractor Supply Co. approached us with a large donation.”

The Seed Library also relies on smaller donations.

“We welcome the return of new seeds from the plants you grow. Just make sure to label what the plant is and when it was harvested — basic information if you know it,” Jeffreys added.

The Seed Library’s offerings cater to both novice and experienced gardeners, providing seeds suitable for all skills and tastes. Although some seeds should have already been started indoors, there’s still an array of vegetable, herb and flower seeds available for direct sowing.

When asked how she feels about the Seed Library today, Bennington said, “I hope people have enjoyed it and that it’s been helpful to the community. And I hope people keep using it.”

For those inspired to embark on their gardening journey, the library offers many gardening books to complement the Seed Library’s offerings. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newcomer to the gardening world, the Seed Library at Warsaw Community Public Library promises opportunities for all.