The Colborne and Castleton branches of the Cramahe Township Public Library have launched a new initiative this year with the introduction of seed libraries at both locations.
Seed libraries promote food security by empowering people to grow their own food, while also encouraging biodiversity, cutting down on packaging waste, and saving money on seeds year after year.
Library CEO Mary Norton tells us how they got started.
Norton explains that while each library is unique, they all share a common value of community support. Cramahe’s seed library joins a growing movement-Cobourg’s library has operated one for over a decade, and one of Alnwick-Haldimand’s libraries has just introduced one as well.
The Cramahe seed library includes a variety of local vegetable, herb, fruit, and flower seeds. Norton says it’s simple to take part-just stop by a branch to browse the offerings and get growing.
Norton tells us the Apple County Garden Club, their local horticultural society, seeded the idea of starting a seed library in Cramahe.
Norton says the club is always welcoming new members. They meet on the third Tuesday of each month at the Keeler Centre. To learn more or get involved, visit CramaheHort.ca or email cramahehort@gmail.com.
Norton says the seed library has sparked a new initiative at the library.
By bringing people together through shared resources and sustainable practices, Cramahe’s new seed libraries are helping grow more than just gardens-they’re growing community.
For more information, visit the Cramahe library online at cramahelibrary.ca.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)