HAMPSTEAD - Pender County Library’s Hampstead branch has launched a new seed library. The Topsail Township Friends of the Library received a $1,000 grant from the Pender County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association (PCEMGVA) for the initial setup of the project. There is a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flower seeds available for Pender County Library patrons to “check out” for free. Patrons may select up to 5 seed packets to take home and plant. To “return” seeds to the library, the public is encouraged to harvest seeds from their crop and donate them back to the seed library
The goal of the seed library is to promote community, improve local sustainable food sources, and enhance food security.
“A community becomes stronger when they have the knowledge and resources to feed themselves and beautify their home,” stated Karen Burkett, manager of the Hampstead Branch. “We are thrilled to receive this grant and establish this new service.”
A member from the PCEMGVA said that “planting seeds in a garden is a great family activity that gets the kids involved and outside. There is nothing like planting and tending a garden to ‘sow seeds’ of interest in gardening and watching it grow.”
The seed library is housed in a repurposed card catalog cabinet. The labels for the seed library were handdrawn by Meg McGrew, owner of Elegant Envelopes in Wilmington, who donated her time and talent.
The seed library is open during regular library hours.
For more information or assistance, call Pender County Library’s Hampstead branch at 910-270-4603 during regular business hours.
Pictured in the seed library photo (to the left):
L to R: Teri Ross, Karen Burkett, Kellyn Dwyer-Croop, and Jessi Neal.
Pictured in the check presentation photo (to the right):
L to R: Joanne Bacci, Darrylin Smith, Mallory Leimone, Joanne Marino, Lynn Rutledge, Nancy Hansing, Pixie Healy, Marian Chuda, Liz Piacenza, Steve Johnson, Karen Burkett, Nancy Parr-Ash, Betty Utley, Ann Mozo, and Linda Harris