Rehoboth library hosts inaugural Seeds ‘n' Reads events

The Rehoboth Beach Public Library welcomed 100 residents and visitors at its inaugural Seeds ‘n’ Reads events commemorating Earth Day and Arbor Day.

Activities included seed planting, eco-friendly crafts and the launch of a brand new seed library. 

In an effort to support Delaware’s vitally important bee and pollinator species, the library seeks to pass on Rehoboth’s renowned love of gardening by providing a wide variety of free herb, vegetable and wildflower seeds. In its first week, library patrons claimed more than 100 packets of seeds.

Delaware residents with library cards may visit the Rehoboth Beach Public Library between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays to select up to four free packets of seeds per day.

Green-thumbed volunteers from the Village Improvement Association and Sussex Gardeners helped young patrons plant their own mini-gardens, create biodegradable bird feeders and sculpt homemade chia pets using clay and chia seeds.

Representatives from the ROOTS Farm & Forest School, a local environmental education center for hands-on learning, taught children how to distinguish between recyclable, reusable and compostable materials, and showed them how to identify important elements of a healthy ecosystem. 

By educating children about gardening, sustainability and the great outdoors, these organizations hope to plant a seed of environmental stewardship in the heart of Rehoboth Beach for generations to come. Next year, Rehoboth residents and visitors can return to the library to celebrate the second annual Seeds n’ Reads event, set for April 22 to 24.