Carlow County Council Environment and Libraries sections, supported by Libraries Ireland’s Skills for Life programme, have together launched a new pilot Seed Library to encourage community food growing, reduce waste, and support climate action across County Carlow.
The Seed Library will provide free heritage, open‑pollinated vegetable seeds to community gardens, allotment groups, school garden coordinators, and local growers participating in the scheme.
Participants will be invited to take seeds this spring, grow their crops, and later attend seed‑saving workshops to return a portion of saved seed, creating a circular, community-owned collection that strengthens local biodiversity and reduces reliance on imported seed. These seeds will not be handed out on a walk‑in basis; they are available only to those who take part in the programme’s workshops and growing cycle, ensuring that seed is used responsibly and returned at harvest time.
“Building on our involvement with the GIY Leaf project, Carlow County Council Libraries are proud to be part of this new Seed Library pilot. Libraries have always been places where communities come to learn, share, and build skills, and this project brings that spirit into the world of food growing. By supporting people to grow their own produce and return seed for others, we’re helping to create a circular, low‑waste system that benefits the entire county. We look forward to welcoming participants to the workshops and seeing this initiative grow over the coming seasons," said Carlow Skills for Life coordinator Dermot O'Leary.
To launch the project, local grower and seed expert Molly Aylesbury of Bare Necessities will deliver two free “Grow Your Own” workshops in Carlow Library on Saturdays 21st and 28th March at 11am. Booking in advance with Molly is essential, as only registered participants will be able to access the seed supply and take part in the full cycle.
“Saving seed is one of the oldest skills we have, and it’s something anyone can learn." Molly commented. "By growing heritage varieties and returning seed to the library, we’re building a shared local resource that will only get stronger each year. I’m delighted to support this project and help people in Carlow take practical, achievable steps toward food resilience, reduced food miles, and stronger community connections.”
Two additional harvesting and seed‑saving workshops are scheduled for Saturday, 8th August and Saturday, 19th September to complete the cycle.
The initiative supports Carlow’s commitment to the circular economy, community wealth building, climate action, and waste reduction, while giving local people practical skills to grow food, reduce food miles, and build community resilience.
Places are limited. To book, contact Molly 085 7260 278 or email barenecessities@gmail.com