ability to develop seed genetics that are resilient in our microclimate, as they are saved year after year. Local ecology can diversify when there is greater access to native species. Patrons can also learn to grow their own food.”
The modern seed library has been around for 25 years, first started in Berkeley, California, although it is a relatively new thing in the Berkshires. It shouldn’ t be confused with seed banks, which are repositories that hold seeds for the future. Seed libraries are meant to get seeds to as many gardeners as possible to be grown each year, not only to preserve the varieties, but also to adapt them to the local climate and conditions, if needed. Seed libraries also provide resources( books, for instance) and offer classes and other activities.
At Sawyer Library, a beautiful wooden cabinet is found across from the circulation desk. It once housed index cards to catalog library materials. Since 2022, The Williams Seed Library has been home to hundreds of seeds catalogued according to plant type and ready for the taking.
Nadine Nance, head of access services at Sawyer Library, solicited help from the community to gather seeds, including local farms such as Whitney Farm in Cheshire and Soul Fire Farm in Petersburg, New York. Nance has a team of Access Services colleagues who enthusiastically help sort, organize, document, and handle the daily management of The Williams Seed Library. Anyone is welcome to take seeds and, in true spirit of a seed library, community members may contribute seeds to the seed library, which is open for all to use anytime Sawyer Library is, no library card required.
Beginning in early spring, The Williams Seed Library had a good supply of seeds available for folks who want to plant earlier. It accepts donations of open-pollinated seeds( no hybrids) and prefers organic seeds. Nance asks to please collect as much information as possible about the seed variety to help people the next year know what they are getting. Patented seeds or varieties protected by the Plant Variety Protection Act aren’ t accepted.
“ The libraries are staffed with people who love to garden,” says Nance.“ We simply wanted to create something that would support and encourage folks to get their hands dirty and grow things that will help beautify and nourish our planet and our community.”
The donation process is simple: There is a basket with prestamped envelopes on top of the seed catalog. Seed“ borrowers” can take the envelopes and return them filled with the seeds they have gathered from their gardens or leftovers to the circulation desk. The library has a research guide that posts helpful tips and videos on how to gather seeds for future propagation.
The Williams Seed Library has distributed more than 660 seed packets, mostly to Williams faculty and staff, as well as some students who have garden plots on campus. The Williams College Community Garden promotes the seed library with its members, and the word has spread from there. The most popular seeds are the bee pollinator mix by far, followed by marigold, sunflower, nasturtiums, tomatoes, carrot, peas, radish, and dill. There is interest in adding tree seeds or other native plants that require cold storage, but they have yet to find the right way to make this available.
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May Holiday / June 2023 2025 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // // 109