Seed Library in Slovenian Public Libraries
In our presentation we will introduce the Seed Library (project), which was established in France Bevk Public Library in 2020. As of today, the Seed Library has spread to sixteen Slovenian public libraries, with plans for further expansion abroad. The project is also included in BidBook for European Capital of Culture Nova Gorica – Gorica 2025.
Seed libraries, which originated in the USA, are a collection of heirloom and domestic seeds, which library users can borrow and plant in their gardens. When the plants mature and produce seeds, users save them and return them to the library to share with others. We have elevated this practice of borrowing seeds to a whole new level with the development of a computer program that facilitates the borrowing, returning, and tracking of seeds. Through the Seed Library and other activities such as workshops, talks, etc. our library promotes self-sufficiency, biodiversity and the preservation of heirloom seeds in our environment.
The Seed Library supports the seventeen goals of UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a primary focus on goals related to climate action, good health and well-being and zero hunger. In 2023 the Seed Library became a part of citizen science and is now featured on the Citizenscience.si website.
Saša Vidmar, Goriška knjižnica Franceta Bevka Nova Gorica, Slovenia
Ana Kosič, Goriška knjižnica Franceta Bevka Nova Gorica, Slovenia