#Texas: #GreenThumbs, #BookWorms team to create free seed library at #LongviewPublicLibrary

by Jordan Green Mar 6, 2025

"Something seedy is happening at the #Longview #PublicLibrary.

"The Gregg County Master Gardeners Association has partnered with library to create the #SproutAndShare #SeedLibrary, which will allow novice and experienced gardeners alike to pick up free seeds to plant in their own gardens.
The library and gardening association will host a grand opening and educational event at 10:30 a.m. Saturday [yesterday].

"A member of the association sprouted the idea for the seed library, according to Shaniqua Davis, agent for the Texas AgriLife Extension Office in Gregg County. The seed library will be open to the public during the library’s operating hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

"Leah Shreves, technical services supervisor for the Longview Public Library, said the seed library will help people learn to produce their own food, whether they live in a home or in an apartment.

"'It’s a way to kind of try and help provide fresh and healthy foods that people can grow on their own to decrease their grocery bill and could also be a relaxing and rewarding hobby,' Shreves said.

"'We’re wanting to give back to the community and give them options and learn that they can grow their own food.'

"The library will have 16 varieties of plant seeds to start with, ranging from green beans and snap peas to watermelon and flower seeds. More than 800 seed packets will be stocked in the library when it opens. Patrons can pick up seven packets per visit. Each packet will have a QR code on it that people can scan, directing them to more information about the plant.

"Master gardeners association members plan to offer at least one educational class per quarter that will be free to the public, Shreves said. During Saturday’s grand opening, gardeners will discuss some of the basics of gardening.

"The library is at 222 W. Cotton St. For more information, call (903) 237-1350."

Original article:
news-journal.com/news/local/gr…

Archived version:
archive.ph/91Eav#selection-322…
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