Greater Moriches coverage is funded in part by Angels of Long Island, a charitable nonprofit. Shopping at the Angels’ Mastic and Patchogue thrift stores helps Long Island families in need. Or, click here to donate.
If you’re looking to start a garden, the Center Moriches Free Public Library has you covered. Not only does it have an array of books on the subject, but it also has a seed library to get you going.
As part of the program, now in its third year, cardholders can “check out” packets of seeds ranging from cauliflower, corn, tomatoes, chives, lettuce, Swiss chard and much more.
The seeds are arranged in a card catalog filing system in the center of the library, located at 235 Main St.
Library director Marcie Litjens said she got the idea from a library journal.
“Seeing that we are on the East End of Long Island and doing a lot of farming,” the program made sense to her, she said.
Last year, almost 500 people checked out seeds.
She recently made a bulk purchase for this year from Wolcott, Vermont-based High Mowing Organic Seeds.
To use the library’s service, cardholders must fill out a slip and may choose up five packets of seeds. You’re not required to return seeds, but Litjens said the library loves to see photos of gardens make with seeds or to hear success stories.
