KALKASKA — The region’s public libraries and other entities cultivate support for growers by building seed collections offered to patrons without cost.
Outmoded card catalogs, once used to navigate library book collections, now fill with packs of vegetable, flower and herb seeds destined to grow knowledge in ways befitting the times.
“Growing food and flowers for beauty is powerful in today’s chaotic world,” said Bellaire Public Library clerk Jessi Reed.
Reed said libraries, like hers, create an ideal environment for seed sharing. They draw folks from a cross-section of a community and provide a welcoming space for beginners to master gardeners to engage in seed programs which serve to enhance local agriculture education.
“At our library, we have a lot of senior citizens, who have time on their hands, and younger families interested in trying things with their kids,” she said.
Kalkaska County Library’s seed program marks its second year. Partnering with Kalkaska Conservation District, the program makes available “a little bit of everything,” including fruit, vegetable, wildflower and herb seeds.
“The goal is to get people growing their own food and knowing where their food comes from,” said District community engagement specialist Sarah Schroeder.
As the program matures, organizers hope growers will clean, dry and return seeds gleaned from their bounty to expand the collection. Schroeder said next generation seeds better produce plants capable of thriving in local conditions.
Kalkaska library patrons may also access Kalkaska Conservation District’s seed collection and seek advice from District staff, and contribute to the legacy.
Those wanting to share their abundance can give the labeled seeds to KCD or library staff to ensure the smooth functioning (and cleanliness) of the seed library.
“These locally grown seeds will be repackaged and shared within the community to continue fostering resiliency in the garden and increased genetic diversity for the crops we grow,” said the Conservation District’s Renee Penny, who offered to help those with questions at renee.penny@macd.org or 231-258-3307.
Last year Traverse Area District Library distributed 3,500 seed packets from its repurposed card catalog located at the network’s Main Library. Here, gardeners find as many as 50 types of seeds, including corn, tomatoes, beans, peas, carrots, flowers and herbs tucked into the wooden drawers.
“We’re trying to create a self-sustaining seed library,” said reference librarian Betsy Myers. “The only way we can sustain it is if people who get seed from us give back. In doing so, seeds become stronger and acclimated to local growing conditions.”
Angela O’Hearn, co-librarian of Grow Benzie’s Seed Guild program also emphasizes the value of seeds from locally grown plants.
“The seed is an amazing entity,” O’Hearn said. “Grown four to five times in our climate it’s more likely to do well and build a robust local seed library.”
While seed libraries protect seed diversity, build greater community resilience, and save families money, they also embody the region’s agriculture heritage. Grow Benzie’s program not only preserves heirloom seeds, but it also gathers stories shared from program gardeners.
“Seeds are our connection to generations before us,” O’Hearn said. “It’s about the time and energy our ancestors put into perfecting various plants — all the intention and care. These seeds still exist and evolve.”
Seed libraries continue to sprout across the region. Explore seed collections at Leelanau Township Library, Central Lake District Library and Fife Lake Public Library, or inquire at your neighborhood library.
Gardeners may also view an online map of Michigan seed libraries at the MI Seed Library Network website.