Your Guide to the Ely Seed Lending
Library
Ely Public Library
1595 Dows St.
Ely, IA 52227
About Us:
The Ely Seed Library
was founded in March of 2012 to promote the sharing of non-hybrid seeds within
the eastern Iowa community.
Our Mission:
Our mission is to build our community through the sharing of open
pollinated seeds, provide education on seed saving techniques, and create a
forum for discourse on the relevancy of local food systems to our community.
How it works:
Seeds
are borrowed at the beginning of the season, grown out, and a portion of the
new crop of seeds can be returned to the library for other community members to
use the following year.
Seed Library F.A.Q
Q: Does it cost money to check out seeds from
the seed library?
A: No, the seed library is free for anyone with an Ely Public Library
card (those are free too!).
Q: How many seeds can I take?
A: Take 2-3 seeds for each plant you wish to grow to account for variable
germination rates. Envelopes are
provided, so you only take as many seeds as you need and leave the rest of the
package for other gardeners.
Q: Can
I donate flower or veggie seeds from my own garden?
A: Absolutely. You can drop off your seeds or mail them to us. Let us know as much as you can about the
variety and seed saving technique. We would also like to hear if the seeds have
a story (e.g. seeds were brought from your grandparents from Italy).
Q: Is it difficult to save seeds?
A: It depends on the plant. Some
seeds such as beans and lettuce are very easy to save. Some plants such as broccoli need to be
“bagged” or isolated in order to make sure the seeds will breed true. We will be offering handouts and classes as
we go along if you want to learn more about it.
Q: Do I have to save seeds if I borrow some?
A: No. At this time it is not a
requirement, but seed saving is fun and rewarding and will help keep the seed
library stocked for others to use.
Q: How do I sign up?
A: Fill out a Patron Sign Up Form at the library and you will be ready to
browse through our seed collection.
How to Get Involved:
· Contact elyseedlibrary@gmail.com or stop in the Ely Public Library to find out more about becoming a seed saving member.
· Find out more about getting a community garden plot by contacting Bob at bob_ballantyne@elyedge.org
· Donate your time, expertise, or materials to the Ely Seed Library. Stop by the Ely Public to find out what you can do.
Donations:
The success of the Ely Seed Library depends on contributions and support from individuals, organizations, and businesses. Donations made to the Ely Public Library are tax deductible. Donations can be mailed to or dropped off at:
Ely Public Library
Attn: Seed Library
P.O. Box 249
1595 Dows St.
Ely, IA 52227
Co-Founders and Coordinators
Ali Alldredge
Ali moved to Ely in 2007. When she is not gardening, running, or chauffeuring kids around, she is involved with the Ely Farmers Market, Ely Public Library, and Ely Community Gardens.
Melissa Sharapova
Melissa is a Permaculture Landscape Designer specializing in Edible Food Forests. She works with Backyard Abundance of Iowa City and the Ely Public Library.
Sarah Sellon
Sarah is the director of the Ely Public Library.
Find us on Facebook:
Sponsors:
The Ely Seed Library
would like to thank our generous sponsors who have made this project possible:
· High Mowing Seeds www.highmowingseeds.com
· University of Iowa Community Credit Union www.uiccu.org
· Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds www.rareseeds.com
· Diane’s Flower Seeds www.dianeseeds.com
· Rapid Reproductions of Cedar Rapids www.rapidsrepro.com/
· Sandhill Preservation www.sandhillpreservation.com
· Territorial Seeds www.territorialseed.com/
· Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah www.seedsavers.org/
Supporting organizations
· We are part of the Ely Public Library
· Sister seed libraries including Richmond Grows which have provided valuable free materials and information on starting a seed library.
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