Innovation | Community Engagement
Thank you for giving us the chance to learn how to grow something new.
As libraries looked for more creative and innovative programs for our communities during the pandemic restrictions of 2020, we collaborated with the Chatham County Extension Service and Master Gardeners to create a Seed Library, started with grant funding from Georgia Public Library Service.
The Seed Library inspires healthy eating, environmental education, and hands-on learning for those who want to grow their own food and save seeds. This program also gives library staff a chance to go out safely in the community, reaching audiences at local farmers’ markets and outreach events. In just the first few months of the project, almost 100 people checked out more than 220 packets from the Seed Library, which is housed at Southwest Chatham Library.
Our local library, @liveoakpl has a seed library! We check it out every time we go. A while back, we grabbed some kale seeds and even though it’s the wrong season, Bethany really wanted to plant them... so we did.
Thank you, Live Oak Public Libraries, for giving us the chance to learn how to grow something new!
~ Bethany's Mom via Instagram @bethanyshappybags
Southwest Chatham Library Customer
May 3, 2021
Wow! How to begin?! I fell in love with storytime and how it cultivated our daughter's excitement for reading and singing and dancing with other kiddos! Shout out to Ms. Melanie! We then started checking out movies for family nights, checking out books for home projects, and stopping by to let my daughter check out her own books.
Then our son came along... it became all things dinosaur thanks to the storytime song. This evolved into him grabbing dinosaur books, reptile books, and monster books in the children's section.
We also started "checking out" seeds to grow our own plants. The kids are taking pride in their gardens.
Even during this pandemic, we would safely pop in to grab the kid activity kits. These were a LIFE-SAVER during the times of staying very close to home. We also started "checking out" seeds to grow our own plants. The kids are taking pride in their gardens.
Our library system is so much more than books. They've got learning, community, and outreach at its core. Way to go! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
~ Krystal
Southwest Chatham Library Customer
April 24, 2021
I use my local Library for so many things! I always have to stop in and check the New Fiction, every time I pass by. I bring my daughters to pick out books in YA and Juvenile.
I have grabbed seeds from the Seed Library, and grabbed Make-and-Take craft kits for the kiddos! I've borrowed movies and TV shows that I can't find on TV!
Southwest Chatham Library has been a lifesaver for me through these recent times of being home so much. When we drive by, my kids know I have to "just stop really quick to check if they have anything new"!
~ Amanda
Southwest Chatham Library Customer
April 24, 2021
