Something really cool!

[JohnAndSancho]

Ok I shipped off a package today. I normally go to my local library to print off my UPS labels, but I didn't know they're closed on Friday. I already had to head to the next town south to pick up Sancho's meds and my insulin and drop the package off, so I went to their library and I saw something I thought was freaking awesome. 

 

They have a seed library. They used the old card catalog drawer for seeds given away for free. It's a two part thing, they want to get kids involved and help the needy grow food. I talked to the librarian for a few minutes while we struggled to get my phone to connect to their printer and told her I grow palm trees, and that's actually what's in this box. She gives me a funny look and says "You're in Mississippi and you're sending palm trees TO Florida?" Yes ma'am I am. 

 

I dunno if this is something that anybody would want to donate extra seed to, maybe stuff that's really fast and easy to germinate and cold hardy like Washies? I know kids (and most normal adults) don't have the patience to stare at a baggie of dirt for 8 or 9 months to watch a blade of grass take 10 years to turn into something. But we aren't normal. 

I know there was a thread in the IPS forum about trying to get younger people involved. Maybe get someone graphically inclined with a print shop buddy to print little cards with instructions and stuff on it? Or maybe a QR code? 

It's all run off of donations. I wouldn't even know who to ask on here about setting this up. @Cindy Adair? 

 

This is in the Wayne County library in Mississippi. They had a nice little display talking about how gardening is a great stress reliever and books on farming and cookbooks for fresh vegetables and stuff all right there. I just don't find carrots and lettuce very exciting because I'm not a rabbit. 

[SeanK]

Imagine if those computers go down and 10,000 rugrats have to peruse file drawers using the Dewey Decimal system. 

[JohnAndSancho]

9 minutes ago, SeanK said:

Imagine if those computers go down and 10,000 rugrats have to peruse file drawers using the Dewey Decimal system. 

I don't know how we survived, but we did. 

[5am]

Just this past Thursday I too discovered that my public library has a seed bank. There wasn't a lot in there so I hope they don't discontinue it before I have something to contribute.  I hope make some additions to get a few more folks growing palms. The problem is as you say, though. 

43 minutes ago, JohnAndSancho said:

I know kids (and most normal adults) don't have the patience to stare at a baggie of dirt for 8 or 9 months to watch a blade of grass take 10 years to turn into something.

 

[JohnAndSancho]

Yeah. Even Washies languish for a year or 2 before they take shape, then it takes them another year or 2 to get big. 

[peachy]

People here have little street libraries outside their houses. It is all organised and lists of locations are easily available. Many of them have seeds as well as books. The scheme has been running for a few years now with apparent success. I get a lot of seeds from my flowering annuals so it is a good way for me to share them around instead of throwing them out.

Peachy

[JohnAndSancho]

6 minutes ago, peachy said:

People here have little street libraries outside their houses. It is all organised and lists of locations are easily available. Many of them have seeds as well as books. The scheme has been running for a few years now with apparent success. I get a lot of seeds from my flowering annuals so it is a good way for me to share them around instead of throwing them out.

Peachy

If I had known about this I would have taken these lavender seeds. Once I realized how much work they were I'm never going to plant them. And that's coming from someone who has spent hours rubbing seeds across a file until my fingerprints were gone. 

[JohnAndSancho]

Ok the more I think about it, palms are probably a terrible idea for all but maybe a few people around here. It looks like I've already missed the Farmers Markets and stuff but maybe once my sprouts get bigger I can find a plant swap or something. I just really don't want to have to go on *shudders* *acid reflux* Facebook *gags* to try and drum up interest.