The Main Branch of the Abilene Public Library (located at 202 Cedar St.) is proud to announce the addition of a new collection to our lineup. You may now visit the basement and check out the new Seed Collection at your library. Available to all local growers, as well as those wanting to acquire that green thumb, your library will offer a host of seeds that you may borrow to grow at least one successful plant.
Seed libraries are popular across the nation and connect borrowers with the means to acquire seeds, for free, to grow in your own homes and gardens. At the Main Library you will find it near the Information Services Desk, where librarians will be happy to help you get started. There you will find a great collection of seed packets that are available for you to borrow.
Once you’ve found a seed packet you’d like to try, simply check it out with staff (so yes, you will need a valid library card to take them home). Obviously with this seed collection you won’t be required to return it to the library like other items in our collection, but this will allow staff to track the success of this new collection. Once you’ve checked out your seeds, the next step is to take them home and see if you can make them grow.
If you’re new to planting and gardening, or need some help getting started, be sure to use your library as a great reference for resources. Here you’ll be able to find a wealth of gardening materials covering the basics of seed saving, getting started as a first-time gardener, growing vegetables, growing in Texas, how to grow plants when you’re limited on space, and more.
Additionally, we invite you to participate in monthly workshops at your library led by volunteers from the local Texas Master Gardeners. Having hosted programs at the library for more than a year, these popular workshops have covered a variety of topics when it comes to lawns and gardens including rainwater harvesting, container gardening, growing herbs, landscaping, preparing your gardens for winter, and yes, even seed collecting. The majority of these workshops are available for viewing on the City of Abilene YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@cityofabilenetexas1881.
Also, look out for their upcoming programs at the library this summer including a session on Gardening with Kids that will be hosted on Tuesday, June 13 at 6:00PM at the South Branch Library and Friday, June 16 at 10:00AM at the Main Library, as well as Planting Fall Veggies on Tuesday, July 11 at 6:00PM at the South Branch, and Friday, July 14 at 10:00AM at the Main Library.
Until then, be sure to check out the new Seed Library at your Main Library on your next visit. For more information, contact Deborah Tarsiewicz at 325-676-6025 or by email at deborah.tarsiewicz@abilenetx.gov.