The Mississippi Mills Public Library is launching its community seed library on February 28, 2026, to help local gardeners prepare for spring. Both the Almonte and Pakenham branches in Mississippi Mills, Ontario, will host the opening events where residents can pick up vegetable and flower seeds at no cost. This seasonal program is designed to help families start home gardens and share local plant varieties.
The program operates on a borrow and return system where people take seeds to plant in the spring and are encouraged to donate saved seeds back to the library after the fall harvest. According to the seed library, this process creates a self-replenishing supply of seeds that are specifically adapted to the local soil and climate. Residents can visit either branch between 10:00 am – 2:00 pm on opening day to browse the selection.
Library staff reported that the service is highly popular, with about 2,500 seed packets distributed to the community in 2023. Melanie Girdwood-Brunton, the library assistant who coordinates the program, is currently looking for extra seed donations from residents to help fill the inventory. Community members can drop off their extra seeds at either branch leading up to the launch.
Gardeners can also access growing advice through a partnership with the Almonte & District Horticultural Society. Funding and support for library projects like this are provided by the Friends of the Mississippi Mills Public Library, which helps the organization maintain resources for local residents.
