A library program in Cape Breton is celebrating six years of handing out free vegetable and flower seeds to people in the community.
The seed library program started in 2020 with a grant from the province of Nova Scotia to improve food security on the island.
“And of course, soon after this initiative got started, we received the wholesale seeds, we were about to launch the program to the public and the pandemic closed things down, we went into lockdown and pivoted to a mail-out program,” says Jannette Vusich with the Cape Breton Regional Library.
Vusich says the goal of the program is to reduce barriers so people can access and try new things.
“Gardening can be a little bit scary, and so by having access to free seeds it gives people that kind of freedom to take home a package of seeds, whether they have a large plot of land or just a patio or a balcony that they can try container gardening,” she says.
Many Cape Breton Regional Library branches also do complimentary gardening programs in addition to providing free seeds.
“Every day, people come into our library branches wanting to volunteer or wanting to seek out opportunities to volunteer at other organizations,” says Vusich.
“And so, as this seed library program has evolved, and it started with just library staff during lockdown, and has continued to grow, we really did need the support of the community.”
Maria Morrison was among the group of volunteers taking part in a seed packaging session earlier this week at the James McConnell Memorial Library in Sydney.
“Since I’ve retired, I’m trying to find new ways to volunteer and become involved in the community and I thought this was the perfect opportunity to do that,” she said.
Volunteers package 17,000 seeds as part of the program each year.
The Cape Breton Regional Library is hosting four more seed library volunteer sessions this month – two on Thursday and two on Feb. 20.
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