Library adds seeds to checkout to sow interest in gardening

The Loveland Public Library has planted a new program — a way for residents to obtain garden seeds.

A seed library has launched in which residents can go online or call the library, choose seeds from a list, and then stop by and pick them up. Yes, the seeds are free, and no, you don’t need a library card to participate.

Residents can “check out” a variety of seeds, from herbs to melons to vegetables, but unlike the traditional books and other materials, there is no return date. The return is simply enjoyment of planting and watching the seeds sprout, grow and produce.

During the first two days, more than 33 residents had picked up seeds from the Loveland library, which by Thursday afternoon had already given out all of at least six of the 63 different varieties with which the seed library started. The seed supplies won’t be restocked this year.

This follows a trend that librarian Kathryn Jordan, who started the seed library, said she has heard of from different seed companies with which she has connected. Many are selling out early.

“It’s exploding,” she said. “People are at home, and they want to plant gardens.”

The seed library was initially set to launch in mid-march, but just two days before the first day, the library closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

When the library reopened, offering people a chance to check out materials online and then pick them up curbside, Jordan decided to add the seed library to the mix. After all, this is the time to get seeds into the ground to allow for a full growing season in Colorado.

“I just wanted to ensure that people got their gardens planted,” she said. “I wanted to make sure this resource is utilized.”

There is a link on the main Loveland Public Library homepage, lovelandpubliclibrary.org/ seed-library, for the seed library, which offers a list of what is available and a form to choose what seeds you would like. Residents also can call 962-2402 to check out seeds over the phone.

Any requests submitted by 2 p.m. will be available for curbside pickup the following day at the library, 300 N. Adams Ave. The window for pickup is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.