The Magnolia Springs Library has found an interesting way to recycle its old card-catalog boxes.

Starting in February, the library launched the Baldwin County Seed Library, which enables patrons of the Baldwin County Library system to “check out” packets of vegetable or flower seeds, which are housed in the card-catalog boxes.

Like library books, you have to return the seeds. Unlike reading, you have to get your hands dirty.

Gardeners planted seeds in the spring, and as the summer harvest winds down, those who checked out the seed packets are returning to replenish the library's stock. As long as people continue to bring the seeds back, the seed library will continue to be a free, sustainable program.

Aug. 3, patron Nim Garth brought his first crop of peppers back to the library. He was only required to bring the seeds, but he brought peppers to share, and Librarian Alida Given removed enough seeds to save for next year.

“Quite a few others have brought in result of their seeds, too,” Given says.

Not only is the Seed Library free to patrons, it was started with absolutely no funding.

“I wrote to organic seed companies and asked if they would donate seeds,” Given says. “You never know unless you ask.”

In response, the library received almost 300 contributions from Mrs. Ottie Dailey, Martha Seale, Cecil Christenberry of Old Tyme Feed, Botanical Interests Seed Supply, High Mowing Organic Seeds, Peaceful Valley Garden and Farm Supply, Seeds of Change, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, W. Atlee Burpee & Company and Wilsey’s Nursery.

But the prime contributions came from the Jefferson Monticello Foundation, who also responded to Given’s query by sending 15 types of seeds.

“Having visited there before, I remembered that they had seeds,” Given says.

Now, seeds from the third U.S. president’s Virginia home’s heirloom vegetables and ornamentals are ripe for library patrons’ picking.

In addition, volunteers have done their program to bring the program about.

“We have master gardeners who have offered to help with guidance,” Given says, explaining that they would be paired with patrons who need help with plants.

Plus, a regular Magnolia Springs Library volunteer has added a touch of creativity to the Seed Library.

“Donna Skellett painted the sign out in front of the library and the indoor-seed sign,” Given says.

She credits those who gave their time, talents and contributions to make the Seed Library a reality.

“It’s just generosity,” Given said.

Since the Baldwin County Seed Library’s launch, more than 60 patrons have signed out seeds.