The Seed Library at Willard Library’s Helen Warner Branch is now open! The seed library exists to provide community members with a variety of free seed samples to promote environmental awareness and sustainability while aiding in the conservation of local and heirloom plant varieties. In addition, according to Deputy Director April Dillinger, “the Seed Library also encourages people to grow their own food and learn about the seed saving process.” Using the Seed Library is simple, Dillinger explained, “Browse through the collection of seeds and ‘check out’ your selections on the sign out sheet. Plant your seeds and enjoy!” In order to make this resource available to the greatest number of community members, individuals may select up to five seed packets per month. A wide variety of seeds are available, including many vegetables, as well as some herbs, flowers, and fruit. Dillinger added, “at the end of the growing season, we welcome leftover seeds or mature harvested seeds back to the library. Seed donations ensure that we are able to continue the Seed Library in the future.” Donation forms are available in-person or on the library’s website. The Seed Library has been in the planning stages for a number of years. Library staff spoke to several other seed libraries in Michigan as well as members of the Michigan Seed Library Network, and visited Portage District Library. Staff took everything they learned and “tailored it to fit our community” said Dillinger. In addition, the library received donations from several seed companies that focus on providing open pollinated seeds and preserving heirloom varieties. “I am so happy that our Seed Library is finally open,” Dillinger volunteered, “It felt like we had been in the planning stage forever. It is exciting to see people looking through the seeds and taking them home to plant.” So far, the library has processed nearly 3,000 seed packets, and the addition to library services has been popular among guests. The Seed Library is located at Willard Library’s Helen Warner Branch, 36 Minges Creek Place. For more information, visit the Seed Library’s information page.
Grow With Us Series
Celebrate a month of growth with us at Willard Library. From morel mushroom hunting to saving heirloom seeds, there’s something for everyone during the month of April. Picking With the Champ: The Art of Morel Hunting with Anthony Williams Tuesday, March 25, 6 p.m.Downtown Lower Level Learn the secrets of morel hunting with 5-time National Morel Hunting Champion Anthony Williams. Williams retired undefeated from competitive picking to become the “Expert in Residence” for the National Morel Festival. His seminar is filled with stories from 70-plus years of picking. Tips on when, where, and how to pick include the personal, finer points that made him the morel champ. Seed Saving 101 Tuesday, April 8, 6 p.m.Helen Warner Branch Join award-winning author Bevin Cohen as he shares his expertise on planning and planting the garden for successful seed saving. Cohen is also the founder of the Michigan Seed Library, and host of the popular podcast, “Seeds and Weeds.” Be the first to check out our very own seed library as well! Documentary Showing of “Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf” Tuesday, April 15, 6 p.m.Downtown Programming Room Immerse yourself in the world and mind of groundbreaking landscape designer and plantsman Piet Oudolf. Follow his creative process from his beautifully abstract sketches to theories on beauty, to the ecological implications of his ideas. Perhaps this film will inspire your own garden planning and expand your ideas of what gardens can be. Succulents and Cacti 101 with Plumeria Botanical Boutique Tuesday, April 22, 6 p.m.Helen Warner BranchREGISTER HERE Elisha Mayes, owner of Plumeria Botanical Boutique, will join us on Earth Day to talk about succulents and cacti, and how to care for these unique plants. Registration is required, and registrants will get to take home their very own succulent.
Uncover a Hollywood Mystery with Author Mallory O’Meara
Author, podcast host, screenwriter, and producer Mallory O’Meara joins Willard Library to discuss her book “The Lady from the Black Lagoon” in celebration of Women’s History Month. According to adult services librarian Brenna LaForge, “The book tells us all about Millicent Patrick, a brilliant woman working in old-school Hollywood. She was one of Disney’s first female animators and an artist well-ahead of her time. But when a jealous male colleague takes credit for the biggest win of her career, she disappears into obscurity. Author Mallory O’Meara sets out to uncover what truly happened to her, and what her legacy means to women today.” LaForge added, “The part that always fascinates me is how though Milicent’s career was blossoming, she just disappears from history. Her legacy lives on in “the creature” but her name is relatively unknown.” O’Meara herself worked in the horror film industry, and found a kindred spirit in Milicent Patrick. Through her research, she brings Patrick’s fascinating life and career into focus. The book is described as “a true-life detective story and a celebration of a forgotten feminist trailblazer…it establishes Patrick in her rightful place in film history while calling out a Hollywood culture where little has changed since.” O’Meara is an award-winning and bestselling author and historian. She also hosts the literary podcast “Reading Glasses” with filmmaker and writer Brea Grant. She has written several nonfiction books, including “Girly Drinks,” “Girls Make Movies,” and her most recent, “Daughter of Daring.” O’Meara will speak on Tuesday, March 4 at 6 p.m. in the lower level of Willard Library’s downtown location, 7 W. Van Buren St. Willard Library programs are free and open to the public.
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