New library program takes root

Renee Fernandez, a public service assistant, shows the new seed library collection at the Headquarters-Ocala Public Library in Ocala on April 8, 2025. [Photo by Amy Panaia Davidson]

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Posted April 9, 2025 | By Amy Panaia Davidson, Special to the Gazette

Garden, plant and seed enthusiasts of all levels in Marion County will soon have an opportunity to grow with the Marion County Public Library.

The grand opening of the MCPL’s seed library will take place at 10:30 a.m. on April 19 at the headquarters branch at 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. A variety of plant and flower experts will share their garden tips during the event and seeds will be available for check-out.

A seed library is a service through which library patrons can select from a catalog of different seed varieties. With a library card, patrons can check out flower, vegetable, herb and ornamental plant seeds to use for their home garden development at no cost. This type of service aims to connect growers who are interested in building a more localized and sustainable “plant population” within their backyards.

Library Community Liaison Karen Jensen said there has been interest from the community to explore this service, which can increase access to homegrown fruits and vegetables.

“Gardening is a passion that many of our patrons enjoy and our public library resources, in various formats, are available to assist the varied gardening interests of our community,” she said. “We hope that the seed library will spread the joy and benefits of gardening.”

The seed inventory collection will be stored behind the information desk at the Headquarters-Ocala Public Library. At each of the nine library locations there will be a seed catalog and with a library card, a patron can make their selections for delivery to one of the locations. Seeds are organized and sorted/stored in plastic drawers that are labeled and organized according to plant type. Library cardholders can borrow seeds, grow the plant at home and then bring seeds back to add to the library’s collection after a plant’s growth cycle.

The seed catalog consists of more than 200 different seed varieties—and counting.

“The library welcomes the donation of seeds in well-sealed and labeled packages for inclusion in our seed library,” Jensen added.

Seed sources are a passion and pursuit for many gardeners. While there exist many traditional methods of acquiring seeds, such as seed catalogs and garden stores, seed libraries can spread an awareness of local varieties and specific plants that do well in a grower’s area. According to the UF/IFAS Extension Office’s website post about gardening solutions, at gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/seed-sources/, “Just because it’s sold in Florida doesn’t mean it thrives in Florida.”

Sarah Klitenick of Ocala is an avid gardener with an interest in growing wild native flowers. By doing so, Klitenick said, she’s building the biodiversity locally to increase the number of pollinators, birds and beneficial insects. She also grows southeast Asian vegetables and fruits.

She is interested in participating in the seed library to gain knowledge and resources, and to donate as well.

“I’m looking for edible herbal plants that grow well here and to learn more about sourcing eco types for our specific zone and I’d love to offer what I can to the seed library,” she said.

The seed library is supported by materials and funds from Friends of the Ocala Public Library, UF/IFAS Extension Services Marion County, Marion Soil and Water Conservation District, Florida Wildflower Foundation and private donations.

Ann Bishop, with the Marion Soil and Water Conservation District, said the seed library aligns with the district’s initiatives to support adequate supplies of healthy food nationwide.

“We understand that not everyone in every community has access to healthy foods and see this project to enhance nutrition in underserved communities. Many of the contributions to this project are in-kind services. Our team volunteered to coordinate with the great team at Headquarters-Ocala Public Library to get the project’s foundations set,” Bishop said.

“Our team reached out to several agencies and organizations about purchasing or donating seeds. One of our partners, UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Service, donated 1,550 seed packets:1,103 vegetables/fruit, 344 ornamental plants, and 103 herbs,” Bishop noted. “We anticipate this program will grow and become self-sustainable: take a seed, give a seed.”

For more information and to obtain a library card, call (352) 671-8551 or visit library.marionfl.org