The Prince George Public Library (PGPL) has launch the 2025 Seed Library Program, inviting the community to “borrow, grow, and return.”
Beginning March 8 and available during regular open hours at both library branches, this program encourages residents to partake in the time-honoured tradition of seed saving, thereby fostering community resilience and self-reliance. In collaboration with the David Douglas Botanical Garden Society and the Prince George Master Gardeners, the Seed Library provides a diverse collection of vegetable, flower, and herb seeds at no cost to the borrower. This initiative enables residents to cultivate their own healthy, affordable food. Individuals are invited to borrow up to five packets, each containing 5-20 seeds, with the commitment to grow and, if possible, return some seeds in the fall.
Now in its fifth year, the Seed Library has become a cornerstone of PGPL’s community engagement efforts.
Library Director Paul Burry remarks on the program’s enduring impact: “We are pleased to be able to continue our partnership with the Prince George Master Gardeners and David Douglass Botanical Garden Society to provide access to the Community Seed Library. The program promotes food security and sustainability and provides a great way for community members to try growing and harvesting their own fresh and affordable food.”
How to Participate:
● Browse & Borrow: Select seeds from the variety available at either library branch. All seeds are non-hybrid and organic where possible. Patrons are asked to borrow responsibly, with a limit of five packages and no more than one package per plant variety. No library card is required to borrow seeds, but participants are asked to complete a borrowing record.
● Sow & Grow: Cultivate your garden and enjoy your crop. Join us for one of two Seed Starting Workshops from 3:00-4:30 on March 8 (Bob Harkins Branch) and March 22nd (Nechako Branch), where you’ll learn essential skills for a successful harvest.● Learn & Share: Engage in Seed Saving Workshops at the end of the growing season to enhance your knowledge and contribute to the community. Use the resources available through the Prince George Seed Library webpage and PGPL’s extensive collection of gardening books.
● Reap & Return: Harvest your seeds in the autumn and return a portion to the library, ensuring the sustainability of the Seed Library for future seasons.
The Seed Library will be accessible from March 8th to June 30th, or while supplies last, at both branches of the library. In 2024, the library distributed over 1,050 seed packages, and with continued enthusiasm and expanded educational offerings, PGPL anticipates even greater participation this year.
For more information on Prince George Community Seed Library please visit: https://www.ddbotgarden.bc.ca/seed-library
For more information on the Seed Starting Workshops please visit: https://www.pgpl.ca/events/clone-seed-starting-workshop