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Gwinn Seed Library is open to everyone

The Gwinn Seed Library started in April, providing the community and those interested with access to 20,000 seeds. Steve Finley started the library in hopes of helping with the food security issues faced in the area. Before the grand opening of the seed library, a hoop house workshop will be held on March 18. A hoop house is seen here. (Photo courtesy of Steve Finley)

GWINN — Forsyth Township Public Library has provided access to seed packets for the community for over a year now. These seeds not only help get people interested in gardening but help with food security in the area.

Steve Finley has worked with Transition Marquette, Queen City Seed Library, Seed Swaps and Plant Swaps all focused in Marquette. When he moved to Gwinn almost three years ago, Finley wanted to invest in the community.

“Seeds grow food and food scarcity is a concern here,” Finley said. “Brining a seed library to this area brings focus and easier access for the community.”

With the help of Forsyth Township Public Library, old card catalogs were converted into what is now known as the Gwinn Seed Library. The seed library opened in April of 2022 and during the first year was able to provide the community with access to 20,000 seeds.

According to FTPL Director Leslie Makela, over 200 people used the seed library in 2022. Makela anticipates that there will be more people in 2023.

Seed packets spread on a table are pictured below. (Photo courtesy of Steve Finley)

“I hear there will be flower seeds this year. That was the request we heard most often at the circulation desk,” Makela said. “I’m excited that people will be able to grow flowers along with fruits and vegetables. Flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are so important to the environment.”

Finley said that area events brought in an additional 30 people that used the seed library. Seeds from the library are limited to six packets per month and open to anyone not just Forsyth Township residents.

“A physical library is a treasure trove of resources including books and electronic media for researching more about seeds, gardening, harvesting and seed saving,” Finley said. “Combining access to such media and seeds provides excellent tools for better, more knowledgeable success in growing.”

With the addition of the seed library, Makela said more people came to the library that didn’t even know it was there to begin with, going as far as making library cards for people because of the seed library. Makela said this resource is important because seeds are expensive and many of the seeds available in the retail space are not even zoned for growing in the Upper Peninsula.

“The seeds here are not only free but are chosen based on their success for gardeners in our area,” Makela said. “One of my favorite things is seeing local growers run into each other in the library and spend time visiting and building relationships. The library is at the heart of our community and anytime we can offer a chance to grow that community, it brings joy.”

The seed library will hold the first event of the year on March 18 from 10:30 a.m. to noon on hoop house buildings at the Gwinn United Methodist Fellowship Hall. The seed library will officially open at noon on April 17.

Finley is also in the works with Upper Peninsula Lions Clubs to provide the entire U.P. with access to free seeds similar to the seed library in Gwinn.

For anyone looking to donate to the seed library, Finley said that the library is in crucial need of seeds. Finley said the seed library has also been gifted monetary support which is just as important to be able to continue to provide the community with free seeds and workshops.

“Without that support, we wouldn’t have what we have today,” Finley said.

Any monetary donations can be designated to the Gwinn Seed Library and mailed or given to FTPL. For more information, contact Finley at gwinnseedlibrary@gmail.com or visit online at forsythtwplibrary.org/gwinn-seed-library/.

Dreyma Beronja can be reached at 906-228-2500 ext. 248. Their email address is dberonj@miningjournal.net.

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