Sidnee Everhart

The Cody, Powell and Meeteetse locations of the Park County Library System are buzzing with volunteerism as we prepare to launch our new seed libraries at all three locations. Our most recent excitement includes our seed library logo contest and our call for seed sorting volunteers.

We are so thankful for the generosity that we’ve received and it is our hope that we can nurture our communities’ rich tradition of cultivation through engaging programs, shared seed collections, and print resources for many years to come with the support of our wonderful volunteers. 

What is a seed library? A seed library is a place where folks can take seeds for free and return seeds by donation at the end of the season if they are seed savers. Our seed libraries will offer folks seven packets per person per week and each packet will contain approximately enough seed for five mature plants.

There will be no obligation to return seeds at the end of the season if you do not feel confident seed saving — and we welcome donations of seeds that you did not save at home, but would like to see go to a good home. We are also planning to offer educational opportunities related to all things plant science, but especially gardening and seed saving. 

We are thrilled to announce that Kurt Bailey won the logo contest in his run against six other amazing seed library logos. Each logo was a testament to the generosity and artistic talent alive and well here in Park County. Not only have our seed libraries been fantastically supported by our local artists, but also by our garden clubs and local farmers. From everyone at Park County Library System, we’d like to say a big “Thank you!”

The library branches look forward to launching the seed libraries in Cody on March 23, Meeteetse on March 28, and in Powell on March 30. Check out our Facebook page @parkcountylibraries or our website at www.parkcountylibrary.org for the times associated with each location’s launch and our seed library programming, starting in April.

We won’t be able to stock our seed libraries — with the millions of donated seeds in 10,000 seed packets — without volunteer support. Please join us for our seed sorting extravaganzas in Cody today (Thursday) and Monday from 1-5 p.m. Join us in Powell March 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. for more seed sorting fun. Meeteetse will also sort seeds as part of its launch event on March 28.

Want to volunteer your time from the comfort of your home as a label writer? Call 307-527-1880 or email severhart@parkcountylibrary.org to find out more. A librarian will direct you to the location in the library of the seed sorting festivities. Just let them know you’re a seed sorting volunteer. 

We look forward to sorting seeds, launching the seed libraries and continuing to congratulate Kurt Bailey on his seed library logo contest victory with you in the coming months. 

(Sidnee Everhart is serving a 10-month term at the Park County Library System through her year of service with On Sacred Ground-Wyoming Service Corps, part of the Episcopal Service Corps network. Everhart elected to dedicate a year to service after her May 2021 graduation from the University of the South because of her passions for community outreach, all things plants and the life of rural churches like the one she grew up attending in North Carolina.)