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Open Books

VPL GROW: Seed Lending & Garden

Urban Gardening

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Seed Library & Propagation Station

Our seed library began in 2021 and is open from February until empty. Our plant share and propagation station, a new addition in 2025, is available throughout the year while supplies last. "Borrow" up to 5 packets of seed per visit, sign them out in the seed binder, plant, enjoy, and save seeds after growing. The propagation station is limited to one cutting per plant species per visit. 

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Seed Boxes

We release 25 reservable seed boxes in March based on a different theme. Adapted from the Patchogue-Medford Library on Long Island, Seed Boxes come with seeds, dirt, and planting instructions for a themed garden. This year's box is Garden to Table including 6 packages of seeds, starter soil, plant stakes, a 100% recycled fiber egg carton planter, a pencil, recipes, growing instructions, and a recipe. Limited quantities are available. Register online starting March 8. Pick up on March 22 from the circulation desk.

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VPL Reading Garden with Friends

Step into the VPL Reading Garden—an inviting outdoor space just beyond our front doors!

In the spring and summer, this vibrant garden bursts with life. Stroll along the path and enjoy a seasonal picture book selected by our Youth Services Librarian, or peek inside the mailboxes for fun outdoor activities. Relax with a book or study materials at a café table, Adirondack chair, or picnic table with a green umbrella.

The garden is lovingly maintained by the Friends of the Vestal Public Library. Want to get involved? Join the Friends to receive updates on planting and weeding days!

Gardening Events

Seedy Saturday - Annual Earth Day Celebration

Help VPL spring into summer with our 5th annual Seedy Saturday: Earth Day Celebration!

Saturday, April 26 11 AM - 1 PM

 

At Seedy Saturday, gardeners and plant lovers can gather in the VPL Reading garden for a perennial, annual, seed & seedling swap and the spring opening of the seed library. Kids can participate by helping in the garden or enjoying outdoor games and activities like bubbles, jump ropes, hula hoops, and more! Families who registered for a free tree through Neighborhood Forest can pick up their saplings too!

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Seedy Saturday is a great opportunity for volunteering by weeding, planting, and mulching with the Friends of VPL.

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On Facebook? Ask to join our Gardening Club Facebook group to hear about events, share articles, ask questions, and learn from other gardeners. 

Seedlings in Pots

Seed Library & Propagation Station

Our Seed Library is About...

  • Encouraging our community to dig in and garden

  • Reconnecting our community to the traditions of growing tasty, healthy food

  • Educating our community about growing, harvesting, and saving seeds

  • Creating a community-sustained seed collection at our library

  • Nurturing a culture of sharing and abundance​​

If you are Taking Seeds:

  • Please sign out in the seed binder. Up to 5 packets per visit.

  • You do not have to donate saved seeds at the same time you are taking seeds. (Although, it is encouraged to save some of your seeds to return in the future! **See additional packet for Saving Seeds at the Seed Library**)

If you are Donating Seeds:

  • Please only donate organic seeds.

  • Take a small envelope from the box.

  • Fill out as much information about the seeds as possible.

  • Photos are welcome!

  • Leftover seeds from a purchased seed packet are also welcome!

  • Put your seeds in the envelope and file with other seeds available.

  • Remember to log your information in the seed binder.

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