Great presentation! Your presentation is a great example of how libraries can meet any community need. I have seen examples of libraries starting community gardens, but your proposal takes the program a step further. Instead of focusing on gardening as an activity and building educational programs around this, yoor program actually helps people by puttting those crops on the table. Most importantly, your implementation plan and staff analysis provides great justification for this program. It seems to be relatively low maintenance while being very beneficial. Great job!
This is such a fantastic idea, @aimes2025. I appreciate that you identified this program as a solution in uncertain times, as well as an opportunity to build communal resources and connection in a way that extends beyond the library. I like that this implies that the library as a host for this program is merely a jumping off point—patrons will learn valuable skills that they can pass on to others, which creates a cascading affect in the community.
What a great idea! I also like that you opened the program to teens and highlight how a community garden can help meet a need since a lot of families and individuals rely on SNAP. This is definitely needed right now. Your program can also introduce different types of food that individuals might not usally have access to. My library hosts a tasting table during the summer where children can taste different types of veggies and fruits. For some children, it’s their first time tasting a kiwi or a parsnip.
Ironically, I was just talking to the librarian and librarian assistant at my fomer employer last week about how libraries should have a program that teaches gardening and creating homemade dishes. People often eat fast food because it is convenient although it is unhealthy and expensive. Although the initial investment in creating a sustainible garden seems expensive, over time, it is actually cheaper than buying from a grocery store.
There’s a lot to love here Amy! The book club with a hands-on gardening element is fantastic, since getting people connected with the outdoors is also a key element to wellbeing and happiness. Just for fun, have you looked into the A to Z recipe databases from World Trade Press? They are new to us but you can search by ingredient, culture, region, etc.
5 Comments
Ron Harris
Amy,
Great presentation! Your presentation is a great example of how libraries can meet any community need. I have seen examples of libraries starting community gardens, but your proposal takes the program a step further. Instead of focusing on gardening as an activity and building educational programs around this, yoor program actually helps people by puttting those crops on the table. Most importantly, your implementation plan and staff analysis provides great justification for this program. It seems to be relatively low maintenance while being very beneficial. Great job!
Katelyn A.
This is such a fantastic idea, @aimes2025. I appreciate that you identified this program as a solution in uncertain times, as well as an opportunity to build communal resources and connection in a way that extends beyond the library. I like that this implies that the library as a host for this program is merely a jumping off point—patrons will learn valuable skills that they can pass on to others, which creates a cascading affect in the community.
Jenn
Hi, Amy!
What a great idea! I also like that you opened the program to teens and highlight how a community garden can help meet a need since a lot of families and individuals rely on SNAP. This is definitely needed right now. Your program can also introduce different types of food that individuals might not usally have access to. My library hosts a tasting table during the summer where children can taste different types of veggies and fruits. For some children, it’s their first time tasting a kiwi or a parsnip.
Camillia T
Hi Amy,
Ironically, I was just talking to the librarian and librarian assistant at my fomer employer last week about how libraries should have a program that teaches gardening and creating homemade dishes. People often eat fast food because it is convenient although it is unhealthy and expensive. Although the initial investment in creating a sustainible garden seems expensive, over time, it is actually cheaper than buying from a grocery store.
Heather B
There’s a lot to love here Amy! The book club with a hands-on gardening element is fantastic, since getting people connected with the outdoors is also a key element to wellbeing and happiness. Just for fun, have you looked into the A to Z recipe databases from World Trade Press? They are new to us but you can search by ingredient, culture, region, etc.