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Brock Library Access Services Supervisor Alicia Floyd and Senior Loan Services Assistant\/Reference Assistant Brian Scott help Master of Sustainability candidates Madison Lepp and Alexandra Cotrufo to ready for the launch of the Brock University Seed Library.<\/p><\/div>\n
The program functions like a library as participants are asked to later return a new batch of seeds from their gardens.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Brock Library is excited about this partnership. It\u2019s a natural fit with the borrowing services we already support,\u201d said Andrew Colgoni, Associate University Librarian, Student Success.
\n\u201cSeed libraries have been growing in popularity, particularly among public libraries, including many in the Niagara region. We\u2019re pleased to be able to make it easy for the campus community to access a rich catalogue of seeds through our \u2018Ask Us\u2019 desk in James A. Gibson Library.\u201d<\/p>\n
Seed libraries are an effective mechanism for collecting and distributing a variety of rare, endangered, native and\/or culturally important seeds. They aim to protect genetic diversity in our food system and promote public access to seeds.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeed libraries help create a culture of sharing and abundance within a community while preserving seed lineages, stewarding a region\u2019s biodiversity and supporting those who are new to gardening,\u201d said Amanda Smits, Centre Administrator in Brock\u2019s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre. \u201cWe could not be more proud of both Alexandra and Madison for spearheading this exciting new initiative.\u201d<\/p>\n
Significant threats to pollinator populations and the ecosystems that depend on these pollinators have been noted around the world. Seed libraries contribute to increasing native and endangered plant species while supporting pollinator populations.<\/p>\n
This initiative will aid Brock and the greater community to grow local plants in the hopes of conserving healthy ecosystems, encouraging growth and fostering community engagement.<\/p>\n
All visitors are reminded that as part of Brock\u2019s COVID-19 vaccine policy<\/a>, a\u00a0vaccine mandate<\/a>\u00a0is in effect for all individuals involved in any in-person activities on campus. In addition to showing proof of vaccination, visitors will be required to complete the\u00a0Brock Safety screening tool<\/a>\u00a0and show confirmation at the screening desk.<\/p>\n