MATTAPOISETT — The Mattapoisett Free Public Library’s Seed Library is growing — and fast.

The program was first sprouted last year by former librarian Liz Shelly, and the library gave patrons about 50 donated packets of seeds.

Just a few weeks into the Seed Library’s second season, Reference Librarian Michelle Skaar said she’s received over 150 requests for seeds.

“I came into work on Tuesday with 50 requests looking at me,” Skaar said.

As the program grows, Skaar said she’s been coming in early to fill requests for seeds. She said that in the future, the library will be more proactive about asking for more seeds from donors.

The librarian added that the program is good for families, and with a daughter who

loves gardening, Skaar said she understands why so many people have been participating in the program.

Last year, some of the patrons who utilized the Seed Library sent back photos of the flowers grown from the program.

“It kind of makes us feel like ‘yes, we succeeded!’” Skaar said.

Following the positive response to the Seed Library, Skaar said there could be some new, gardening-related programming coming in the future.

To request seeds, patrons have to fill out a Google form found on the library’s website. But right now, requests are on pause due to the high demand.

The form will reopen March 5, with an updated inventory of the seed stock available at the library.

When the seeds become available again, pick-up will work the same way it does for books:, items are left at the entrance to the library by the stairs to be picked up by patrons.

And as the library faces difficulties reaching patrons during the pandemic, Skaar said the Seed Library is a good way to get the community involved — and maybe keep them around for some of the library’s other offerings.

“I would like it to highlight the fact that we are currently open,” the librarian said.

Skaar said that because everyone is cooped up inside, she gets why the community is excited about a hint of spring.

“It’s kind of nice just to have something grow, you know?”