Our local libraries are certainly different from when I was a kid. I used to go with my library card to check out books. They still have books, but you can also attend classes, use a computer, see a movie, join a book club or learn to play the ukulele. They also have digital content including E-books and E-audio. The Brunswick County Libraries have a lot to offer us and NC Cooperative Extension is proud to partner with them for some of these services.
Kelly James, Branch Manager of the Rourk Library in Shallotte says she likes to think that the library is a place for social connection. You can come to a class or activity at the library and meet new people, develop relationships and become part of a community.
One of the ways NC Cooperative Extension here in Brunswick County has partnered with the libraries is by developing a seed library. The Barbee Library on Oak Island was the first location for a seed library and it has since expanded to the library in Shallotte and the Southwest branch in Carolina Shores.
NC Cooperative Extension through a grant from our Steps to Health program provided the “seed” money to get this started. The project has expanded greatly since then with community donations. Our Extension Master Gardener Volunteers (EMGV) help by providing guidance and doing pop in "ask a master gardener" days at local libraries. They’re planning to have the EMGV conduct classes later this year.
Never heard of seed library before? The goals are to get people interested in growing and eating healthy foods, and to promote physical activity and community through gardening. Packets of seeds are available free of charge and are self-service.
Come and take what you can use (you’ll only need to write down what you take for records).
Forrest Schweitzer, Library Assistant with the Rourk Library in Shallotte is the coordinator for their program. He reports that after the initial development of the seed library last fall; they received major donations from Lowe's Home Improvement and Tractor Supply in Shallotte to keep it going. Seed varieties have included veggies and herbs, wildflowers and wildflower mixes. These seeds were shared with other county libraries with seed libraries. They hope to keep this seed library open and available to patrons.
Another way that NC Cooperative Extension in Brunswick County partners with the libraries is through educational classes. Our Family and Consumer Science team, lead by Avery Ashley, has conducted a variety of classes at all the countys’ libraries.
Later this month both the Rourk Library in Shallotte and the Barbee Library on Oak Island will be hosting us with our Hurricane Kit: Nutrition and Food Safety class. This class focuses on developing a plan for safe and healthy foods during an emergency and/or potential power outage. This class discusses possible food choices and equipment to include in a hurricane preparedness kit.
The Shallotte class with be held Friday June 19 11 a.m. till noon and the Oak Island class is Friday June 26 from 3 p.m. till 4 p.m. These classes are free of charge. Check with the libraries for registration details.
Also new at the Rourk branch in Shallotte our Healthy Cooking at Home Club. This group meets the final Tuesday afternoon of each month at 3 p.m. to share ideas on nutrition, cooking and recipes. Class topics change each month. There will be no class in June, but the July 28 session will feature ideas for using fresh herbs and spices. Check with the Rourk library for details and to reserve a spot.
If you haven’t been their lately, I encourage you to check out one of the branches of the Brunswick County Library. Details can be found at their web address: Library and the Events link. This isn’t your momma’s library anymore and we’re glad to be part of it!
Syracuse is a Family and Consumer Science team member and can be reached at NC Cooperative Extension, Brunswick County Center 910-253-2610 or by email at clsyracu@ncsu.edu
