CF Library hosting seed swap event for gardeners

On a cold winter day, the Cedar Falls Public Library is bringing a little bit of spring indoors with its annual Seed Swap event. The event invites people from the community to come together and share seeds, ideas, and a love for gardening.

The Seed Swap is simple and welcoming. Patrons can stop by to exchange seeds with others, but bringing seeds is not required. Everyone who participates will go home with at least 10 packets of seeds, all provided by the library’s Seed Library. This makes the event accessible to beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

“The goal of the seed swap event is to bring gardeners from around the community together to share not only their seeds but their knowledge.” host Dan Meier said. “We also hope to inspire future generations of gardeners.”

The event is part of the Cedar Falls Seed Library, which has been housed at the public library for 12 years. Over that time, hundreds of patrons have registers, and thousands of seed packets are checked out each year. This year’s Seed Swap is especially meaningful because it is part of National Seed Swap Day, a nationwide event where communities across the country host their own seed swaps. Cedar Falls is participating for the fourth year in a row. 

The Seed Swap is open to all ages, welcoming both young and old. The library hosts the event to bring the gardening community together and to offer something bright and hopeful during the cold winter months. It gives people a chance to connect while looking ahead to warmer days and growing seasons. 

“People should attend the seed swap event to meet wonderful folks from around their community who have some of the same interests, hobbies, and passions as they do,” Meier said. “They can also try varieties of different seeds/plants they may not be familiar with, with no risk of paying for something that might not work out.”

The Seed Swap event will take place at the Cedar Falls Public Library in the meeting room from 3–4:30 p.m. on Jan. 31, giving community members a perfect opportunity to gather, share seeds, and connect with fellow gardeners while welcoming a touch of spring during the winter season.