Spring is in the air! We are celebrating the abundance of nature resources available at Utah’s libraries. From seed libraries to education programs, your local library might be your gateway to exploring and appreciating the outdoors.
Programs and Events:
Provo City Library is offering three upcoming programs for adults to connect with nature:
Provo City Library’s Growing Intention program offers patrons a chance to “… tie together physical new beginnings with an opportunity for emotional growth,” according to Keturah Jensen, lead librarian for the event. She adds, “ We’ll be doing a demo of a Headspace meditation and then planting chamomile or lemon balm seeds. The idea is to do a bit of manifestation through the planting of the seeds. It’s also a great toe-dip into the waters of self-reliance and sustainability.”
Larissa Andersen will lead a Seed Swap, and she explains, “Our Seed Swap program brings growers together each spring to swap seeds and tips, and also to share in comradery! We have growers of all ages willing to share their expertise and encouragement in a beginner-friendly environment.”
Provo will host a Plant Swap, as librarian Juli King gushes, “Plant people are some of the best people. Hosting a plant swap gives a space for members of the community, from indoor collectors to outdoor gardeners to those that are just getting started, to come together and share in the joy of taking care of plants. Swapping plants is a sustainable way to grow a plant collection and lowers the barrier for others wanting to get their own collection started.”
All Washington County Libraries have hydroponic gardens that have been used for a variety of programs. Last October, the St. George Branch Library held an event for herb planting where patrons could return to collect their herbs and plant the seeds again if they wished.
They will be hosting the Mountain States Bumblebee Atlas in April, as illustrated on the flyer.
Librarian Nate (VanDam) at the St. George Branch also highlighted their telescope program: “Each of the 8 branches in the Washington County Library System have one. They are easy to use telescopes that can be checked out by patrons. They get a lot of requests anytime there is something big happening in the night sky.”
Seed Libraries:
Many libraries across Utah offer Seed Libraries, where library visitors can “check out” seeds. Here are two such libraries:
Jane DeGroff, the librarian at the Fairview Library, shares the background and current experiences with the Seed Library: “A seed library was started at the library in Fairview in the spring of 2024. It began as a gift from local gardener, Heidi Hodgson, of Small Time Farm. She provided necessary supplies and stocked the drawers with seeds. Patrons take seeds and then return their saved seeds at harvest time. Our library patrons are excited about the addition of our seed library. The community reaps many benefits. Locals are encouraged to grow their own food, promoting sustainability. The seed library also increases biodiversity and creates a sense of community.”
The Eagle Mountain Library offers a seed library. They provide a binder with the names of the seeds, and a number so you can record for the library which seed(s) you’ve taken with you. The binder also contains information on each of the plants. The goal is for patrons to have one plant go to seed, and then bring those seeds back to share with the community. As a particularly unique resource, Eagle Mountain also provides a small collection bucket for battery recycling.
Connect with your local library to explore how you can turn over a new leaf this March. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more nature resources.