Seed libraries: Gardeners ‘check out’ seeds

There’s been an interesting confluence of energies around the subject of seed libraries. I’ve encountered three references from unique sources in recent weeks.

‘Little Free Libraries’ in Ashland, Oregon

File photo/Little Free Library

What a wonderful surprise during our first year in Ashland, Oregon, to discover “Little Free Libraries” appearing on residential streets.

I love these little cabinet-like structures that are filled with free books. An article in the Ashland Daily Tidings profiles some library builders.

‘Little Free Libraries’ top 3,000

Source: Little Free Library

At FastHorseInc.com, Diane Fittipaldi makes an interesting analogy: the growth of “Little Free Libraries” around the world is a type of microlending.

‘Little Free Libraries Are Coming to Town’

Source: Little Free Library

As reported by Michael Kelley in Library Journal and summarized on Utne.com, Rick Brooks and Todd Bol are on a mission to top Andrew Carnegie’s 2,509 libraries.

“The diminutive, birdhouse-like libraries, which Brooks and Bol began installing in Hudson and Madison, Wisconsin, in 2009, are typically made of wood and Plexiglas and are designed to hold about 20 books for community members to borrow and enjoy. Offerings include anything from Russian novels and gardening guides to French cookbooks and Dr. Seuss.” 

Internet is no substitute for library

The online library catalog is the first place I look when a new book catches my eye. Lake County is fortunate to have a public library system that is tied to library systems in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Our shared library system equates to thousands of books that are readily available.