A service provided by the Marshalltown Public Library (MPL) years ago served as an inspiration for a returned feature – the seed library.

MPL Reference Librarian Sam Abbott, the person who planted the “seed” of bringing it back, said the library used to have a prairie on the south lawn. Seeds were harvested from the prairie plants and given away.

“Our new seed library is a similar concept, but with a wider variety of seeds,” Abbott said.

By repurposing a card catalog cabinet, Abbott created a holding place for the variety of seeds people can choose from. The seed library opened on April 22, the same day MPL hosted a Plant Swap event. The seeds are not only free of charge, but gives MPL yet another way to give back to the community.

“It will be available for the foreseeable future, and we plan to keep it stocked through a combination of donations, like the ones that helped start the seed library, and returned seeds after fall harvest,” Abbott said.

The seeds include vegetable, such as cabbage and beans; fruit, herb and flower, such as tickseed. According to Abbott, the library has common and uncommon seed varieties, and were acquired through donations and grants. The seed packets in the cabinet are courtesy of Seed Savers in Decorah and Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds in Mansfield, Mo.

Unlike the other materials at MPL, the seed library operates under a different system. Abbott said patrons can “check out” up to five packets of their choice per household. To “check back in,” patrons are asked to harvest what they’ve grown, and then some of the seeds are saved for the library.

“These saved seeds will need to be given to a library staff member,” Abbott said.

Sitting on the top of the cabinet is a sign requesting people only use and bring heirloom seeds for the library. Heirlooms are usually at least 50 years old and will produce plants similar to the parent plant. Heirlooms can have unique characteristics, such as distinctive flavors, colors and shapes.

The restriction to heirloom only is due to the permit through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

“We limit our seeds to heirloom seeds to make sure we meet the department’s requirements,” Abbott said.

Abbott’s goal in reimplementing the seeds is to help opportunities for adults to build community in Marshalltown and Marshall County.

“I want patrons to realize that adults, and not just kids, can use the library as a resource and a ‘third space’ — a neutral place that’s neither work or home, where people can gather,” Abbott said.

Thus far, there has been much enthusiasm regarding the seed library.

“I’ve had some people express gratitude for not having to buy a whole pack of seeds, while others have stated how happy they are to see the card catalog find a new purpose,” Abbott said.

Abbott’s plan is to have the seed library available all year. Next year, the seeds will be restocked earlier in the growing season.

“I hope everyone enjoys the seed library, and I wish their gardens the best of luck,” Abbott said.

Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.