ABOVE: Fairmont Library Assistant Director Claire McGinty stands with the seed library, held in an old card holder.

FAIRMONT–For a second year, Martin County libraries will offer a seed library to assist those who want to plant.

Anyone with a library card can pick five seed packs, with a variety of flowers and vegetables available. While they are ‘checked out’, nothing needs to be returned to the library. In addition to the Fairmont library, its branches in Sherburn, Trimont and Truman are also offering the program.

Assistant Director Claire McGinty said the idea has picked up nationally, and each has differences.

“We allow people to check out whole packets versus individual seeds,” she said. “A lot of libraries, you can just check out five seeds at a time. The other way ours is different is we don’t ask for anything back. Some seed libraries, the way they keep it moving is they give seeds to patrons, the patrons harvest the seeds and bring them back to the library.”

When it started last year, it was the only library in the Traverse des Sioux library system to offer it. This year, St. Peter has started one as well with some guidance from Fairmont.

“We have all our seed packets in an old card catalog,” McGinty said. “We have thousands of seeds to give out. We store them all in the card catalog and refill them as needed.”

The seeds come from various places. Some seed companies donated some after being contacted by the library, and a donor also pitched in a share of seed bags. This follows a successful trial run last year.

“It’s been received well,” McGinty said. “A lot of kids have enjoyed it, that surprised me. Adults love it too. People are astonished when they see the little catalog with the seeds to check out from our seed library. People ask us, ‘Can we really take these? Are these for checkout?’ They are excited.”

Changes from last year include adding more seed bags and types of seeds and getting the branches involved. Last year only the Fairmont location had the seed library.

In adopting this idea, McGinty said it helps keep Martin County up-to-date on the latest trends.

“It feels like we are part of a national movement of seed libraries,” she said. “It’s a chance for people to go outside; take care of and grow something themselves. It’s a chance to build community with a positive outcome.”

It’s also another way for them to diversify, offering more than books for Martin County.

“We have a library of things,” McGinty said. “You can check out board games, puzzles, exercise equipment, a yoga mat and memory care kits. It goes with our mission to provide information and resources to the Martin County community.”

Seeds will be available until they run out. For more information, visit https://www.martincountylibrary.org/