The Common Seed Project
The Common Seed Project
The Common Seed Project took root in the summer of 2024 when a group of seed librarians and enthusiasts from western Massachusetts came together to share their passion for seeds. During an early meeting, librarian Paulina Borrego, who oversees the Mass Aggie Seed Library at UMass Amherst, proposed the brilliant idea of a "Common Seed." Inspired by "Common Read" programs—which foster shared reading experiences to spark meaningful conversations—Common Seed cultivates community through a shared growing experience, while also promoting promoting sustainable gardening practices, with seed saving at its heart.
These individuals played a key role in planning and implementing Common Seed (Plus encouragement from friends, librarians, and gardeners!):
| Alison Baitz Emily Baron Paulina Borrego, UMass Amherst Caroline Bruno, Franklin County Sheriff's Office Renee Ciulla, UMass Amherst Jocelyn Cozzo, Hatfield Public Library Natane Halasz, Hampshire College |
Phoebe Hynes Young-In Kim, Greenfield Community College Tatjana Mackin Anthony Reiber, Greenfield Community College Irene Tournas, Williams College Andy Yang |
Common Seed librarians gathered at Greenfield Community College this past January and February to prepare the physical toolkits that were shared with participating libraries. The work involved stamping and labeling seed envelopes, sorting and packing 'Provider' bean seed, and then packaging the toolkits for shipment via the MLS Delivery service.
Top center: Anthony Reiber (Greenfield Community College) and Natane Halasz (Hampshire College)
Top right: Paulina Borrego (UMass Amherst), Mike Hannigan and Anthony Reiber (Greenfield Community College), Natane Halasz (Hampshire College), Jocelyn Cozzo (Hatfield Public Library), Young-In Kim (Greenfield Community College)
Bottom left: Renee Ciulla and Paulina Borrego (UMass Amherst)
Bottom right: Jocelyn Cozzo (Hatfield Public Library)
2025 Participating Libraries
|
Agawam Public Library |
Jones Library Inc |
Images from: Pelham Library, Agawam Public Library, Hatfield Public Library, & Westhampton Public Library
