Archive for 04.12

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Park and Read Program Inspires Library Cardholders to Experience the Great Outdoors of Michigan



Entering its fourth year, the Park and Read Program has begun for the 2012 spring and summer.  This program has over 400 Michigan libraries participating and offers patrons the opportunity to spend the day at any state park, completely free of charge.  Park and Read allows library cardholders to “check-out” a one-day pass that waives the Recreation Passport Vehicle entry fee into any Michigan state park or recreation area (a cost which easily amounts to roughly $10).

Even furthermore, the parks themselves are offering amenities to ensure that the patrons are really utilizing the park space for reading purposes and to make the day even more relaxing: some of the state parks are offering the loan of a hammock.

Much similar to the previously blogged about Museum Adventure Pass, the Park and Read Program allows patrons to check out a pass from his/her library that can be used for one day at any of Michigan’s 98 state parks.  While passes are valid for seven days, they are valid for only one day of actual usage.

This program is a spectacular way “to save green while being green” (Stephens, 2011).  It combines the natural beauty of Michigan with a library’s heartfelt intention to encourage family togetherness and educational programming.  Because of economic turmoil, certainly Michigan families have been practically unable to afford day trips to the beach or exciting extracurricular activities.  With programs like Park and Read however, Michigan families are able to stimulate and exercise the body and mind entirely free of charge.

In order to make the program most successful, several Michigan libraries teamed up with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, whose ultimate goal is to implement the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations.  And what better way to do that than by offering library cardholders free access to experience the natural beauty?

While I myself have yet to actually participate in the Park and Read Program, I do work at the Novi Public Library and on countless occasions hear the gratitude expressed by staff and patrons for offering such a delightful service.  People are overwhelmed by the generosity of the state to offer such a program, and are delighted by the library’s implementation of it.

Works Cited

Stephens, M. (2011). DNR – Read and Relax in Michigan State Parks; Park & Read Program Offers Free Park Passes for Michigan Readers. SOM – State of Michigan. Retrieved April 8, 2012, from http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7--247949--,00.html

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Alternative Partnerships: The Rise of Seed Lending Libraries

While borrowing seeds from your local library may seem like a fairy tale, it is in fact, a reality. A recent article on Boing Boing led me to research further this fairly new and quite amazing phenomenon of seed lending libraries. According to the article taken from PC Sweeney's blog, "A free seed lending library can also provide people with a chance to transform their lives and communities by providing access to fresh, healthy food that may not otherwise be available" (2011). This access is provided to patrons by means of making available seeds to "check out," take home, and plant. While this article pertains specifically to the East Palo Alto Library and their partnership with Collective Roots, many other libraries across the country are participating in similar endeavors.


The idea for the East Palo Alto Seed Library actually stemmed from a similar program at the Richmond Public Library in California (Sweeney, 2011). According to Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library website, "[the library] is open to everyone and provides, in addition to seeds, education about growing and saving seeds and organic gardening. It is our hope that seed library patrons will return some seeds from their harvest to make the library self-sustaining" (2012). While the Richmond Grows Seed Library promotes the return of seeds, the East Palo Alto Seed Library does not. 

San Francisco Public Library's Potrero branch (in partnership with Transition SF and San Francisco Permaculture Guild) also opened a seed lending library in April of last year (Landgraf, 2011). The organizations provided the seeds and seed saving programs to patrons, while the library provided the space, gardening books and reference advice on gardening (Landgraf, 2011). 

Above are just three examples of libraries branching out into their communities through innovative programs such as seed lending. To find a list of seed lending libraries, how to start a seed lending program or more information about such programs, check out Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library's site. 

Sources
Sweeney, P.C. (2011, April 12). I'm starting a seed library at my library. [Web log]. Retrieved from http://pcsweeney.com/2011/04/12/im-starting-a-seed-library-at-my-library/

Landgraf, G. (2011, April 6). Seed lending libraries bloom. Retrieved from http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/green-your-library/seed-lending-libraries-bloom

Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library. (2012). About us. Retrieved from http://www.richmondgrowsseeds.org/index.html

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