Share and Follow
This past Saturday, the Kingsport Public Library (KPL) transformed into a hub of horticultural exchange during its much-anticipated annual Seed Swap. A diverse gathering of local gardeners and businesses eagerly came together to trade heirloom seeds, exchange gardening expertise, and engage in a creative activity making biodegradable seed pots.
Caroline O’Connor, a Young Adult Librarian at KPL, highlighted the collaborative nature of the event. “We’ve teamed up with the Kingsport Farmers Market and several other organizations to bring in local gardening enthusiasts and farming experts. Our goal is to share knowledge and resources with the community,” she explained, underscoring the event’s communal spirit.
In addition to the swapping and sharing, the library also distributed free seeds as part of its Seed Library initiative. “Starting in March, our Seed Library will be available. It allows patrons to check out up to three seed packets to take home. This service runs throughout the summer and into the fall,” O’Connor said. She also encouraged participants to contribute to this growing resource. “If people wish to donate seeds, they can bring them back to our service desks after drying them out, and we’ll gladly accept them.”
“And we have some seeds that we’re giving away for free. That’s also part of our Seed Library. So starting in March, we’ll have our seed library out. Through all of summer and into the fall, where people can check out up to three seed packets to take them home with them. And then if people want to donate to the seed library, they can bring back seeds that they’ve dried out to our service desks, and we can take those as well.”
O’Connor said the Seed Library’s process is sustainable and “really does work.”
The event celebrated National Bring Your Child to the Library Day.