#ChinaME: Does your town have a #SeedLibrary
by Jude Hsiang
April 23, 2025
"Does your town have a Seed Library? Seed Libraries are found all over the world, enabling gardeners to save money and try new types of vegetables, herbs, and flowers."
Read more:
https://townline.org/china-does-your-town-have-a-seed-library/
#SolarPunkSunday #LibrariesRule #BorrowDontBuy #SeedLibraries #SeedExchange #GrowYourOwn #Gardening #Maine
Seed Protocol - from the #NashvillePublicLibrary !
"We ask that, when you bring seed to the Nashville Public Library Seed Exchange, you follow certain protocol. We want people who take seeds to get what is on the label, and we want to protect against passing on disease.
Basic Protocol
Adapted from the Seed Protocol from the West County Community Seed Exchange, Sonoma Co., California.
- Save seeds from healthy plants. Even if a disease does not get passed on through the seed, we do like to have some selection for disease resistance by only saving from healthy, strong plants.
- Save seeds from multiple plants so that the seed has some genetic diversity in it. The quantity of plants that is optimum depends on the type of plant. For self-pollinating plants a minimum of 6 plants is necessary. For cross-pollinating plants, you’ll want to save from a much larger population.
- If the plant cross-pollinates, you’ll want to make sure to keep it isolated so it stays 'true to type.' Check with a seed saving chart or book to get proper isolation distances.
- When you give seeds to the Seed Exchange, please label with as much information as you can.
- Many people like to save seeds from a favorite plant that might not be harvested from multiple plants or from a plant that isn’t super healthy. Some people like to save seeds from interesting crosses. You are welcome to bring those seeds. Just make sure you write that down on the label so others know they are participating in your experiment.
Guidelines for Returning Seeds
- Dry: Make sure seeds are dry.
- Clean: Return reasonably clean seeds by removing as much of the chaff as possible.
- Properly saved: Only return seeds from plants that you know how to save properly.
~ Some seeds can be fairly reliably saved without cross-pollination (and unintentional hybridization). These include tomatoes, beans, peas, and lettuce.
~ Only return seeds from the brassica (ex. broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussels sprouts, cabbage) or cucurbit (ex. cucumbers, squash, melons) families if you have taken appropriate steps to prevent cross-pollination, such as hand-pollinating.
- Label! Label! Label! Give us as much information as possible (variety, location, year saved, helpful hints, etc.). Remember that people only have as much information about a seed as what you have written on the package in order to decide if it is a plant that they would like to grow. More information is better.
- Share the abundance: If you have lots of seeds, consider donating lots! We share with Seed Exchange locations across Davidson County.
Thank you for saving seeds!"
Source:
https://library.nashville.gov/about/policies/seed-protocol
#SolarPunkSunday #SeedSaving #SeedSwaps #LibrariesRule #GrowYourOwn #Gardening
Most weeks, I wonder if I should do #SolarPunkSunday toots, given everything that is so very wrong and this is another one of those weeks. Nevertheless, there will be vegan recipes, flowers, trees, third spaces and this link to a free garden layout and plans library 🌍🌱💚
https://www.almanac.com/free-garden-layouts-plans-library
#RhodeIsland - Warming Centers | Emergency Management Agency
"Below is a list of warming centers throughout the state. If you do not see your community listed or to verify times and center locations, contact your local municipalities for more information. If you need additional assistance, call 2-1-1.
All details and information are subject to change at any time. Individuals seeking resources are encouraged to call ahead before visiting."
Pets:
Pets needing sheltering may be taken to the Potter League for Animals, located at 87 Oliphant Ln, Middletown, RI. The potter league closes at 5:00 PM daily. If emergency pet sheltering is needed call (401) 846-8276 during and after normal work hours.
#BarringtonRI
#BristolRI
#BurrillvilleRI
#CentralFallsRI
#CharlestownRI
#CoventryRI
#CranstonRI
#CumberlandRI
#EastGreenwichRI
#EastProvidence
#ExeterRI
#GlocesterRI
#HarmonyRI
#HopkintonRI
#JamestownRI
#JohnstonRI
#LincolnRI
#LittleComptonRI
#MiddletownRI
#NewportRI
#NorthKingstownRI
#NorthProvidenceRI
#NorthSmithfieldRI
#PawtucketRI
#PortsmouthRI
#ProvidenceRI
#SouthProvidenceRI
#SmithfieldRI
#TivertonRI
#WarrenRI
#WarwickRI
#WesterlyRI
#WestGreenwichRI
#WestWarwickRI
#WoonsocketRI
FMI - https://riema.ri.gov/warming-centers
For an extended and detailed list of resources provided by Executive Office of Housing for Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness, please visit, click below.
https://housing.ri.gov/resources/individuals-experiencing-homelessness
#WarmingCenters #WarmingShelters #LibrariesRule #Unhoused #Houseless
#PolarVortex #ArcticBlast #Homeless #WarmingCenterRhodeIsland #EmergencyShelters
@artlung @pluralistic Just looked at LA Public Library which has 415 waiting for one of 55 copies. Love to see it from both!
(editing for SPELLING! :) )
#SaratogaCA - Knit & Crochet Circle @ #SaratogaLibrary
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
10:30AM – 12:00PM
Saratoga Library
Description
Join Saratoga Library's monthly knit and crochet circle. Bring your own projects and yarn, ask questions, receive help, give help, share ideas, and meet new people! We'll meet in the Maple Room unless notified otherwise. It is located near the Bestseller collection and New Books.
Patterns from past workshops and a limited number of circular knitting needles and crochet hooks will be available to borrow.
Masks are highly recommended. Drop-in, no registration required.
For accessibility accommodations (ex. ASL), please fill out the online form at sccld.org/accessibility 7+days prior to the event. If you need assistance with the form, speak with a staff member at your local library, call (408) 540-3945, or email us at ask@sccl.org.
FMI:
https://sccl.bibliocommons.com/events/67634d92fea9b97171fbdf76
#SolarPunkSunday #FiberArts #Knitting #Crocheting #LibrariesRule!
#Maine - Want to try something new in the new year? Check out a ‘library of things’
#Libraries are expanding their offerings beyond books and audiotapes, broadening the potential pursuits of patrons.
by Sophie Burchell, January 2, 2026
CUMBERLAND — "If your New Year’s resolution is to try a new hobby — cooking more diverse recipes, taking up knitting or digging into gardening — but you are not yet ready to make a commitment for all of 2026, there is a shelf at the library for you.
"Stacked with items including a #MortarAndPestle, a #SpinningWheel and a #broadfork, the #LibraryOfThings at Cumberland’s #PrinceMemorialLibrary has objects for all types of pursuits ready for patrons to borrow like they would a book.
" 'The tortilla press is quite popular. A lot of people, they want to have a taco party or something, they want to try it out,' said Kelly Greenlee, community outreach librarian at Prince Memorial Library, which serves #CumberlandME and #NorthYarmouthME.
"Categories of 'things' include arts and craft supplies, science and technology devices, health and wellness equipment and home and garden tools. When acquiring items for this collection, librarians look for items that are typically only used once or twice a year, or things that someone would want to test out before they purchase it for themselves. The collection is intended to save library patrons time and money, as well as broaden their horizons — much like books.
" 'It’s designed to encourage people to have a #SharingEconomy, essentially,' said Greenlee. 'Libraries have always been about sharing resources, and it’s really just an extension of that.' "
Archived version:
https://archive.md/cWBiQ
#SolarPunkSunday #LibrariesRule #MaineLibraries #LibrariesOfThings #BorrowDontBuy
#TheObsoleteMan... SCARY AF!
"I'm a human being! I exist!"
#LibrariesRule #Librarians #AI #Foresight #TwilightZoneMarathon #TwilightZone #BurningBooks #BurgessMeredith #FritzWeaver
From 2013 - My #TreeHouse : The world 1st #GreenLibrary for kids
"On 31st May, 2013, #Singapore added another world first to her already impressive resume.
"On that day, the world welcomes her 1st green library for kids at the Central Library located at Victoria street.
"My tree house is aptly named after the centerpiece of the new library. The tree structure is constructed with recycled materials. The 'leaves' of the tree is entirely made of recycled bottles."
https://www.thewackyduo.com/2013/06/my-tree-house-world-1st-green-library.html
#SolarPunkSunday #RecycledMaterials #TreeHouseLibraries #GreenLibraries #LibrariesRule!
#CommunityGardens and #Libraries: A Perfect Pairing
Library lawns are growing in popularity as sites for community garden projects
April 14, 2022
"#Libraries are often lucky enough to have a free plot of land to bring garden programming to their community. We will explore what it takes for a library to begin a community garden and some examples of successful community gardens already in place.
"The modern world has created a divide between people and nature. Increasingly, people don't know how or where their food originates. Many people feel #disconnected from the #NaturalWorld, and some have never planted a garden.
"But as author #MichaelPollan puts it, 'the garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway.' A community garden can introduce people to #nature, #plants, and #GrowingFood in an approachable way. Engaging with a garden can teach people about the interconnected world and provide a rewarding experience and skillset.
"Libraries are often lucky enough to have a free plot of land to bring garden programming to their community. We will explore what it takes for a library to begin a community garden and some examples of successful community gardens already in place.
Starting a Garden
"A community garden is a piece of land cultivated by a group of people, either individually or collectively. These gardens are commonly found in urban settings, but similar ideas exist in rural communities.
"Libraries offer an excellent setting for a community garden. They already provide books and classes on gardening, so they are a perfect location to experiment with those ideas.
A community garden can range widely in size and scope, depending on the land and resources available by a given library. Gardeners can cultivate even a few square feet into an educational opportunity for the community. Participants can construct a full-scale community garden if a library has more room to spare.
"Constructing a garden might be intimidating to some, but even someone with no prior experience can make it happen with the community's help. Businesses and community members will often donate their time, tools, and labor to help bring a community garden to life. By reaching out to the right people, a single library staff member or community member can organize the implementation of a multi-bed community garden."
FMI - https://action.everylibrary.org/community_gardens_and_libraries_a_perfect_pairing
#SolarPunkSunday #LibrariesRule #TheCommons #MoreGardensLessLawns #growYourOwn #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity
The rooftop #Gardens at the #UniversityOfWarsaw is one of the most #SolarPunk things evah! Wow! 😍 🍃
FMI
https://en.uw.edu.pl/about-university/must-see-at-the-university/university-gardens/
https://kidsinthecity.pl/listing/the-warsaw-university-library-garden/
#SolarPunkSunday #LibraryGardens #LibrariesRule! #Poland #WarsawPoland
#BucksportME! "The #Bucksprouts #SeedLibrary is now open! Community members can come take seeds to plant and grow their own flowers and vegetables. Our initial seed donation was through the generosity of #HighMowingSeeds with additional seeds donated by #Mainescape and other patrons. Our intent is for gardeners to learn how to #SaveSeeds so that we can provide this resource for years to come. Many thanks to all of our dedicated volunteers who made this possible. Come take some seeds, learn gardening tips, and network with others who garden too."
Learn more:
https://www.bucklibrary.org/for-our-patrons/bucksprouts-seed-library
#SolarPunkSunday #Gardening #MaineLibraries #LibrariesRule #SeedLibraries
#OldTownME #PublicLibrary - What is a #SeedLibrary?
"A Seed Library is a community-driven resource where people can borrow seeds, grow them, and then return some of the harvest’s seeds to share with others. It's a fantastic way to promote biodiversity, sustainability, and self-sufficiency within our community. By participating, you contribute to the preservation of unique, locally-adapted plant varieties while helping others grow their own food.
How It Works
- Borrow Seeds: Visit our Seed Library and browse through the available varieties. Choose the seeds that fit your gardening space and needs.
- Plant and Grow: Take the seeds home and plant them! We provide helpful gardening tips and instructions to help you grow your plants successfully.
- Save and Return Seeds: At the end of the growing season, save seeds from your healthiest, most productive plants. Then, return these seeds to the library for others to borrow.
Why Participate in Our Seed Library?
- Promote #Biodiversity: Help preserve and propagate locally-adapted plants.
- Access to Free Seeds: #Gardening should be accessible to everyone, and we believe in removing barriers like seed cost.
- #Sustainable Gardening: By saving and sharing seeds, we create a cycle of sustainability that benefits the environment and community.
- Build #Community: Our Seed Library fosters collaboration, education, and a deeper connection with nature and neighbors.
What Seeds Do We Offer?
We offer a wide variety of seeds that are well-suited to our local climate and conditions. Some of the seed varieties we offer include:
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, peas, carrots, and more!
- Herbs: Basil, oregano, thyme, mint, and rosemary.
- Flowers: Sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds, and other #PollinatorFriendly flowers.
- #NativePlants: Local species that support #pollinators and other #wildlife."
FMI - https://old-town.lib.me.us/index.asp?SEC=2CC0E559-E0E2-4CF2-9BA3-39BD33F05269
#SolarPunkSunday #SeedLibraries #LibrariesRule! #BuildingCommunity #GrowYourOwn
List of #MaineLibraries with #SeedLibraries!
Buck Memorial Library
47 Main St, #BucksportME
Waterville Public Library
73 Elm St, #WatervilleME
Ellsworth Public Library
20 State St, #EllsworthME
Northeast Harbor Library
1 Joy Road, #NortheastHarborME
Caribou Public Library
30 High Street, #CaribouME
Thompson Free Library
186 E. Main St, #DoverFoxcroftME
Searsmont Town Library
37 Main Street, #SearsmontMe
Wells Public Library
1434 Post Road, #WellsME
Milbridge Public Library
18 School Street, #MilbridgeME
Bangor Public Library
145 Harlow St, #BangorME
Friend Memorial Public Library
1 Reach Road, #BrooklinME
D.A. Hurd Library
41 High St, #NorthBerwickME
Curtis Memorial Library
23 Pleasant St, #BrunswickME
William Fogg Library
116 Old Road, #EliotME
Carver Memorial Library
12 Union St, #Searsport
Brown Memorial Library
53 Railroad St, #ClintonME
#Maine - #SeedLibraries Are Sprouting Up Around the #PineTreeState
#MaineLibraries have added seed “borrowing” to their growing list of resources.
by Nora Saks, April 2024
Read more:
https://downeast.com/home-and-garden/maine-seed-libraries/
I used to work at this branch library in #PortlandME... Complete with a garden!
'Si hortum in bibliotheca habes, deerit nihil."
"If you have a garden and a library, you will need nothing else." - Marcus Tullius #Cicero (my translation).
Image - #SchiedamLibrary, Netherlands.
@CiaraNi Awww. TY for posting this! #LibrariesRule!
#CupertinoCA - #KnitAlongs at #CupertinoLibrary
Friday, December 12, 2025
Friday, December 19, 2025
2:30PM – 4:00PM
Cupertino Library
10800 Torre Avenue
Cupertino CA 95014
Community Room 201A
Description
"Cupertino Library Knit Alongs continue in 2025!. All adult knitters and crocheters are welcome. No registration or sign up required. We're always happy to meet someone new, so please feel free to join us. Meet new friends, start a new project, or finish an old one.
*Please note, This is mostly a social group for knitters and crocheters aged 18 and older. It is not intended to be a class for regular knitting and crochet instruction.
*We can supply some knitting and crochet supplies, but everyone is encouraged to bring their own knitting needles, crochet hooks and yarn.
For accessibility accommodations (ex. ASL), please fill out the online form at sccld.org/accessibility 7+days prior to the event. If you need assistance with the form, speak with a staff member at your local library, call (408) 540-3945, or email us at ask@sccl.org."
Source:
https://sccl.bibliocommons.com/events/6726c1203d18bc3d00ad9be0
#FiberArts #LibrariesRule #KnittingGroups #DIY #SolarPunkSunday
#GilroyCA - #WatercolorWorkshop for adults & teens: #WinterWonderland Animals / Taller de acuarela
Sunday, December 07, 2:00pm–3:30pm
Gilroy Library
350 W. Sixth Street
Gilroy CA 95020
"Celebrate the season with a cozy watercolor session featuring charming winter animals in snowy landscapes. Whether you're painting a fox nestled in frosty woods or a deer beneath twinkling stars, this guided workshop invites you to relax, create, and enjoy the magic of winter through art.
All necessary supplies will be furnished. Registration is not required. Seating is limited to the first 30 attendees and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We kindly request that attendees refrain from saving seats.
For Teen and Adults, Ages 13+
For accessibility accommodations (ex. ASL), please fill out the online form at sccld.org/accessibility 7+days prior to the event. If you need assistance with the form, speak with a staff member at your local library, call (408) 540-3945, or email us at ask@lib.sccgov.org."
Source:
https://sccl.bibliocommons.com/events/68f293dddff9d93e00cb9073
