As part of our focus on helping the community build environmental literacy skills, we're excited to introduce new initiatives at the library that provide opportunities for people of all ages to learn more about food production and food sustainability along with increased awareness around caring for the environment.

We invite you to take part and discover more about how to grow your own food and the steps we can take together as a community to address important issues like food security and environmental stewardship.
 

Environmental Literacy icon and title text
Environmental Literacy
Food Security icon and title text
Food Security
Community Building icon and title text
Community Building

Seed Library

Coming Friday, May 3

Our Seed Library is an opportunity for customers to take seeds home and grow their very own vegatables, fruits, herbs and flowers. There will be a limited number of seed packets available at all locations, with the full selection of seeds in the Seed Library being available at the Eastside Branch. 

Not only will seeds from our Seed Library be available to the public, but we are also using these seeds in other Get Growing initatives and teaching opportunities. Seeds from the Seed Library will be used to help plant our new Naturespace garden beds during our upcoming Roots & Shoots event and to replenish food stock in our grow towers (available at the Eastside Branch).
 

SL FAQs

How many seed packets can I take?

Customers can select a maximum of 2 seed packets per household.

Seed packets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where can I get the seeds?

We will have a limited number of seed packets available at all library locations, with the full Seed Library selection being available at the Eastside Branch.

Where did WPL get the seeds for the Seed Library?
We purchased all our seeds from Ontario Seed Company (oscseeds.com).
How will I know how to plant my new seeds?

Each seed packet comes with a label that includes planting instructions. We have also included the seed name, seed number and Ontario Seed Company website link, so customers can easily access full planting, germination, and care instructions. 

What seeds do you have available in the Seed Library?

We have a selection of herbs, vegetables, fruits and flowers.

Herbs

  • Cilantro Coriander
  • Dill (Fernleaf)
  • Oregano
  • Chives
  • Parsley (Italian Plain)
  • Catnip

Vegetables & Fruits

  • Beets (Early Wonder)
  • Carrots (Rainbow Blend)
  • Green Beans (Blue Lake Bush)
  • Yellow Beans (Kentucky Wonder)
  • Radish Early Scarlet
  • Cucumber (Straight Eight)
  • Peas (Sugar Snap)
  • Zucchini Dark Green
  • Spaghetti Squash
  • Pumpkin (Howden)
  • Bib Lettuce
  • Swiss Chard (Bright Lights)
  • Red Kale
  • Cantaloupe (Hale’s Best)
  • Watermelon (Sugar Baby)

Flowers

  • Bee Pollinator Mix
  • Native Ontario Pollinator Mix
  • Double Shirley Mixed Poppy
  • Sunflower (Colour Fashion Mix)
Do I need a library card to use the Seed Library?
No. Anyone is welcome to use the Seed Library.

Grow Towers

Grow towers are vertical hydroponic gardens where food is cultivated in a soilless environment, receiving essential nutrients through a continuous water flow. The Eastside Branch has two grow towers that will operate and produce food year-round. Customers will be able to pick food as plants become ready for harvesting (please follow onsite signage or ask staff for assistance).

The grow towers will act to foster ongoing discussions about food insecurity in Canada as well as highlighting technology for food production in challenging environments like Canada's far North. The sunlamp-equipped lights will support year-round plant growth, adding vibrancy to library spaces.
 

GT FAQs

How do the grow towers work?

The plants grow without soil; their roots are held in rock wool. They get watered automatically for five minutes every 45 minutes, all day and night. The lights are on a 14 hour schedule. Every three weeks, we refill and check the water, nutrients, and pH levels.

What do you grow in the grow towers?

We will grow a variety of plants on a rotational basis. Once plants are harvested we will plant new seeds to grow. Signage will accompany the grow towers to let customers know what is currently growing.

Some of the plants we grow will come from seeds in our Seed Library.

What will happen with the plants when they are ready to be picked?

Anyone visitng the Eastside Branch will be able to pick the plants and take them home. We ask that you please only pick plants or leaves on plants that are ready for harvesting. Directional signage will let customers know when plants are ready for harvesting or you can ask staff for assistance. Excess food will be donated. 

Will the grow towers operate all year long?

Yes! The grow towers will be available year-round, with major maintenance occuring twice a year in September and March. During that time, the grow towers will be removed for a deep clean before being returned.

Naturespace Garden Boxes

Our Naturespace garden boxes feature a mix of pollinators, native plants and even vegetables. These boxes help to enhance and sustain the environment around the Eastside Branch while providing opportunities for learning and engaging with the natural environment. The boxes are designed with an accessible side to allow for everyone to participate in the gardening process.

The new garden boxes were co-designed by our Teen Events Team, who will be volunteering their time to nurture the plantings. The garden boxes will be used for programs and will be planted by library staff and community members alike.

As an added bonus, the pollinator plants in the garden boxes will provide a source of pollen for our beehive.

Roots & Shoots Day of Action

Rescue, Replant and Remove

Saturday, May 11 from 1pm to 4pm
Eastside Branch | Drop-in Event for Families

Join us for a teen-led community day of action to help rescue, replant and remove waste from around our Eastside Branch. Start your day by removing litter and waste from around the Eastside Branch then put on your maker hats and build a bird house or bat box to help increase the number of animal homes in your neighborhood! Finish the day by planting and learning about pollinator and native plants to support the different species living in our area and help beautify the outdoor spaces.