Duane Hicks
The Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre is growing in more ways than ever.
On Earth Day (April 22), the library will launch its new “Seed Library,” a free, accessible community seed resource.
Library CEO Alicia Subnaik Kilgour said the public is welcome to drop by and pick up free sunflower starter kits, as well as learn about the new resource.
“Staff will be here to take registrations for the ‘Seed Library’ and answer questions,” she noted.
Once registered, members can check out seeds and grow them over the summer.
“The idea is that the library will offer seeds—packets of seeds,” said Subnaik Kilgour.
“We’re going to start out really simple, things like tomatoes that are easier to grow,” she explained.
“You don’t have to be a member of the Fort Frances [Public] Library,” Subnaik Kilgour stressed.
“This will be open to everyone, through all of our communities.
“But you’ll have to come in and register to use the ‘Seed Library’ so we can track usage and we’ll have statistics,” she added.
Then in the fall, the library is asking that those members donate back to the “Seed Library”—whether by donating packages of seeds or money for the library to buy them—to ensure the program is sustainable for next year.
“We encourage the public to ‘Borrow—Grow—Donate,’” said Subnaik Kilgour, noting those three words are the basic tenets of the “Seed Library.”
For launch day on Wednesday, Subnaik Kilgour said the library will have a picture frame to use so those who pick up sunflower starter kits can take a photo with their seedlings.
The library also would like participants to take their photo again to show how much the sunflowers have grown.
These “before and after” photos then will be displayed in the library at the end of the growing season.
Subnaik Kilgour said the library eventually would like to have a small “reading garden” on the north side of the building, and this is one of the first steps towards that.
She noted the “Seed Library” has been made possible due to the talents of library staff who have a wealth of knowledge and expertise growing flowers and vegetables.
“But there’s also room for us to grow and create partnerships with, for instance, the agricultural society or horticultural society,” said Subnaik Kilgour, adding the community garden is another possible partner.
“We’re just going to start small this year but the potential for this program is great,” she enthused.
Library board chair Andrew Hallikas said he loves the idea of a “Seed Library,” adding it ties into the philosophy of “Grow Local” and saving heritage seeds that are indigenous to the area.
“This could really take off in many directions,” he remarked, noting the library prides itself on having innovative programming.
“What we’re trying to do with this is not only make the library a welcoming place, but to try to get groups of people in here that wouldn’t normally set foot in the library,” Hallikas added.
