Library begins new seed library

The Fairfield Public Library has a new unique feature: a seed library. Rebecca Johnson, Fairfield Public Library director, said the seeds can be checked out with a library card, and returned after six months.

According to Johnson, the library received $500 worth of 36 varieties of organic heirloom seeds from Seed Savers Exchange, an organization that implements heirloom seed saving.

The project starts with participants checking out up to five envelops of seeds for a lending period of six months. Johnson said the seeds are good for beginners because they self-pollinate and can be saved easily. Participants grow the seeds in their own garden and allow the plants to pollinate and seed. Then, seeds are harvested, and participants can save seeds for themselves for next growing season and return the rest to the library for another person to check out next year. Johnson said if the program is successful in Fairfield, Seed Savers Exchange will donate more seeds.

Fairfield Sustainability Coordinator Scott Timm plans to offer free seed-saving workshops at the library beginning in September.

According to Johnson, Fairfield Public Library is one of the first libraries in Iowa to implement the seed exchange program. She also said the program fits into the community?s Go Green initiative.