Becky Isbell with the Brownwood Public Library issued the following press release Monday night:

I am very excited to let everyone know about the launch of the Brownwood Area Seed Library. A joint venture between the Brownwood Public Library and the Brownwood Area Community Garden, the Seed Library is an exciting opportunity to help people grow their own food and other plants.

What is a seed library? Seed libraries “lend” seeds to individuals, who then take them home, grow them, save the seeds and return them to the library. Over time, plant varieties are developed that are uniquely suited to our climate and growing conditions. Seed libraries help increase agricultural biodiversity and create a self-sufficient community.

The Brownwood Area Seed Library was launched with a seed donation from Walmart. Included in this are hybrid varieties, which are not recommended for seed saving. We also are not set up at the moment to take “returned” seeds. In the future, we will have more heirloom varieties specifically for our area and be set up to take seeds that people return.

For now, anyone can come to the Brownwood Public Library and “check out” seeds. Borrowers can check out up to five seed packets every six months. A library card is required, but cards are free with a government ID and proof of residency. Borrowers to the seed library should be 18 or older.

The Brownwood Public Library and the Brownwood Area Community Garden hope to collaborate further to offer classes on seed saving and other gardening topics. Folks interested in gardening are encouraged to apply for a gardening bed at the Community Garden. Spots are still available and this is a wonderful way to garden with the community.