Greenfield Community College is excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its seed library, now rebranded as Hope’s Seed Library in honor of longtime librarian Hope Schneider. With a fresh logo and expanded offerings, this initiative highlights our commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

A Growing Legacy

Hope Schneider was instrumental in launching the seed library program back in 2015. Speaking about her journey, Hope shared, “I grew up in Queens with no connection to gardening, but when I moved to western Massachusetts to attend Woolman Hill School, I became immersed in the beauty of nature. The school had a big garden, and that’s where my passion for gardening began.”

Her family background also has agricultural roots; her grandfather was a pickle maker who emigrated from Germany. This rich history has fueled her passion for gardening and community sharing.

What’s New?

The revamped Hope’s Seed Library now includes seeds collected from GCC gardens. While patrons aren’t required to return seeds, the library encourages them to bring back seeds saved from their own plants, helping the program flourish.

One of our key champions, Anthony Reiber, a professor of soil science and horticulture, ensures that seeds from GCC gardens reach the library. “We selected Provider bean seeds for our first distribution because they are easy to grow,” he explains. “Once you start growing your own food, it’s easy to take it to the next level.”

Community Engagement and Events

Recently, we kicked off the seed library's season with a two-day plant swap in the GCC library. Students and community members came together, exchanging plants and seedlings, and celebrating the joys of gardening. It was a vibrant event that showcased the communal spirit and allowed participants to share their gardening experiences and expertise.

Join the Movement

Hope's Seed Library is not just about seeds; it's about creating connections within our community. We're planning workshops on starting seeds, growing gardens, and sharing knowledge to make gardening accessible for everyone.

If you’re passionate about gardening or want to learn more about sustainable practices, we invite you to support and participate in Hope’s Seed Library. For more information and to stay updated on events, please visit our website and become part of our growing community!

Together, let’s cultivate a sustainable future!