JLS to Set Up Seed Banks Across Public Network

The Jamaica Library Service (JLS) has launched its Seed Library Jamaica (SLJ), a network of seed banks across its public network, as part of the JLS’s contribution to the national effort to increase food production at the grassroots level.

The Seed Library will stock a variety of local food seeds.

Individuals can access them through their parish libraries, operated by JLS, allowing them to plant and grow their seeds at home/school; share saved seeds with others and return some to replenish the library stock.

Addressing the launch of the initiative on Wednesday (October 7), at the JLS’s Kingston Parish Library, Director General of the JLS, Maureen Thompson, said: “We are grateful that JLS was considered to be part of this initiative, which will involve sharing knowledge and creating opportunities for our citizens to learn about planting and seeds.”

The JLS network acts as an optimal bridge for this localised agricultural intervention.

The JLS provides an accessible platform for householders to explore the world of urban farming and backyard agriculture.

“This partnership with LIAJA (Library and Information Association of Jamaica) is bringing two important functions of our libraries: access to resources and access to knowledge. Through our public library network, comprising 35 locations across the island, our role in the initiative will ensure that the seed library is known across the length and breadth of Jamaica,” she said.

The initiative will transform the JLS into an active community hub for ecological literacy by leveraging the library’s infrastructure to support the agricultural sector.

Moving beyond its traditional scope of lending books and providing internet access, the JLS is leveraging its islandwide reach to directly empower householders to take control of their local food production and combat food inflation.

The public library branches across Jamaica are converting dedicated spaces into local seed libraries.

“Today as libraries continue to evolve, we are more than just books. We also deliver a robust menu of programmes and services that connect people with the knowledge and opportunities they need to improve their lives and empower communities. Seed libraries build on this very principle and seed libraries are extending our libraries beyond books. Seeds are the starting point of food production,” Ms. Thompson said.

Traditional libraries facilitate the free supply of books. A Seed Library is a community-focused institution that lends/shares/exchanges seeds to scale up local food production, protect agricultural biodiversity amidst worsening climate change, build skills and resilience within communities and enhance learning about growing food and saving seeds.

“As a partner in this initiative, the JLS is pleased to provide a network of libraries through which Jamaicans can access local food seeds while also connecting with information and learning opportunities relating to sustainable food production, organic gardening and seed saving,” Ms. Thompson said.

Seed Library Jamaica, which is an online library, will be accessible via JLS’ virtual reference and WhatsApp service to Jamaica. Interested patrons can make their request through the online/virtual channels and pick up their seeds from their nearest parish library.

“The Seed Library Jamaica initiative affirms the contribution of libraries in building resilient communities by encouraging the sharing and preservation of local seeds, developing practical skills and promoting greater awareness of food production. This initiative can strengthen community knowledge and make a meaningful contribution to food security,” the Director General said.