The East Baton Rouge Parish Library has initiated a new program aimed at supporting local gardening efforts through the establishment of Seed Libraries across multiple branches. This initiative, which currently encompasses ten out of the library’s fifteen locations, offers free seeds and educational resources to encourage residents to cultivate their own vegetable and pollinator gardens.
The Seed Library focuses on providing seeds for herbs and vegetables that are either native to Louisiana or particularly well-suited to the local environment. By prioritizing these species, the program aims to promote sustainable gardening practices and avoid the introduction of invasive plant species that could disrupt local ecosystems. Allison Gianelloni, the community programming librarian, drew inspiration from similar projects across the United States and launched a trial seed library at the Greenville Springs branch, which proved to be well-received.
Gianelloni’s efforts gained momentum when she transitioned to the Main Library in January 2023, where she repurposed a card catalog cabinet as the Seed Library’s primary storage unit. This cabinet can be found on the second floor, near the nonfiction section.
How the Seed Library Operates
The Seed Library functions through a community-based model, relying on seeds donated by both local seed companies and library patrons. Organizations such as Baton Roots and Wild Ones contribute native plant and vegetable seeds, while Carrie Schmidt-de la Fuente, a reference librarian at the Main Library, actively seeks donations to maintain a diverse stock.
The program operates on an honor system, encouraging patrons to take only the seeds they intend to grow during the season. This approach ensures that seeds remain available for other users. Notably, a library card is not a prerequisite for participation, making the initiative accessible to all community members.
To utilize the Seed Library, patrons simply need to sign their names in a binder, select 2-3 seeds for each plant, package them in provided envelopes, and label them accordingly. While returning seeds is not mandatory, it is encouraged, particularly for easy-to-save varieties such as lettuce, tomatoes, and beans. Basic seed-saving techniques are available on the library’s website under the “Planting Guides” section.
Gianelloni reflects on her learning journey, stating, “I’m always still learning. I’m not an expert at all. I’ve never done the wet seed saving. People can save their seeds, then drop them off here in the little seed returns.” She shared a touching story of a family heirloom plant donated with a note indicating it was from a neighbor’s yard, emphasizing the community spirit the program fosters.
One participant, Caitlin Wilson, expressed enthusiasm, noting, “Because of this program, we are now growing summer squash and bush beans at our house, and we will continue to grow more.”
Future Plans and Community Engagement
While the Seed Library is currently in its pilot phase, there are plans to expand the initiative to all fifteen library branches in the future. Each location’s seed collection varies based on donations and availability, so visiting different branches provides opportunities to explore a diverse selection of seeds.
In addition to the Seed Libraries, the program hosts Garden Discovery community gardening events, offers curated plant and garden reading lists, and provides resources through its website, ebrpl.libguides.com/seedlibrary. Upcoming events include a presentation by Linda Barber Auld, known as the NOLA BugLady, discussing “Monarchs, Migration, Milkweed, and OE,” scheduled for 10 a.m. on October 11, 2023, at the Main Library.
Further, a Community Gardening Day is planned from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 8, 2023. During this event, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library will collaborate with the Louisiana Wild Society to install a native plant garden near the Main Library’s entrance. Attendees can expect planting demonstrations and hands-on learning experiences, including a workshop with Janine Kharey from Wild Ones GBR about the impact of planting choices, and a seed sorting and saving demonstration led by Mitchell Provensal of Baton Roots.
Gianelloni emphasizes that now is the ideal time to plant native seeds, as they require cold stratification to germinate effectively in the spring. Through these initiatives, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library is not only promoting gardening but also strengthening community ties and fostering a deeper appreciation for local biodiversity.
