You’ve heard of libraries offering food for thought?
They’ve just taken it to a whole new level in DeKalb.
The DeKalb County Public Library has launched what it says is metro Atlanta’s first-of-its-kind “seed library.”
No, that’s not some cutesy Dewey Decimal system-like name for cataloguing things. The DIGG seed library is an actual collection located in the Decatur Branch. Library system patrons can check out free heirloom and open-pollinated seeds known to grow well in DeKalb County area gardens.
And unlike, say, that manhandled copy of “Fifty Shades of Grey,” you keep, um, forgetting to bring back, the seeds don’t ever have to be returned. Instead, DCPL asks folks to save and share the seeds with others in their community.
DIGG stands for “DeKalb Invests in Growing Gardens.” And the purpose of the new program is to provide more people with access to food that’s healthy, affordable and sustainable and bring attention to the existence of food “deserts” in the areas.
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The program’s seed money — er, that is, start-up funds — came from the DeKalb Library Foundation, with additional money coming from The Friends of the Decatur Library.
All seeds were donated from Slow Food Atlanta and a number of seed companies, including Hudson Valley Seed Library, Athens Seed, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, High Mowing Seed Company, Southern Exposure Seeds and more, according to DCPL.
The Decatur Branch is located at 215 Sycamore St. in downtown Decatur. Additional information about the library system's many branches and programs can be found at www.dekalblibrary.org.
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