Introducing the Library of Local

Dear Community Members,

Today the library staff and I are proud to announce that Howland is now a Library of Local site!

The Library of Local is a partnership between the Partners for Climate Action in the Hudson Valley and the Mid-Hudson Library System. Participating libraries are supplied with kiosks that house locally-sourced seeds, books, tools, and other resources that equip local communities to take action against the climate crisis and advance ecological repair. In addition to providing our community with ecologically-friendly resources, Howland Public Library will be hosting educational programs throughout the year that align with the Library of Local’s mission. With this partnership we hope to join with other community groups and community members to be part of the climate solution.

The new Library of Local kiosk can be found near the library's front desk.

Seeds

Each year the library will have a new batch of seeds for our community members to take home and grow. The seeds are locally relevant and non-hybrid.

This year's selections include:

Arugula
Basil, Genovese
Bush Bean, Provider
Chard, Rainbow
Cucumber, Homemade Pickles
Echinacea

Nasturtium, Variegated
Pea, Sugar Snap
Radish, French Breakfast
Sunflower, Evening Sun
Tomato, Robbin's Red
Tomato, Summer Sunrise
Zucchini, Cocozelle

Books

The kiosk will hold a special section of books that tie into the subject.

Here is a small sample of titles:

Building a Sustainable Home: Practical Green Design Choices for Your Health, Wealth, and Soul

Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest

Solar Power for Beginners: How to Design and Install the Best Solar Power System for Your Home

Healing Grounds: Climate, Justice, and the Deep Roots of Regenerative Farming

Tools

Garden tools will be available in the Library of Things collection.

Programs

The library aims to have one program a month tied to our Library of Local partnership. For the month of May, we are partnering with Stony Kill Foundation. Teens in grade 6 and up can join us at the farm to learn about companion planting while working together to plant a vegetable garden.

May 17th, 4-5:30pm

Teen Gardening Registration Form

In the coming months, we want to see what your seeds have grown into! You can tag us using #HowlandLoL or send garden pictures to [email protected]

We are proud to serve a community that is invested in environmental concerns, and we look forward to developing as a community resource.

Happy growing!

Kristen

Kristen Salierno, Director

www.beaconlibrary.org