What can’t you get from the library? Mattapoisett library has seeds and more
Seeds are now ready at the Mattapoisett Library for pickup. Photos by Mari Huglin 
Gardeners can donate their own seeds.
All types of flowers and vegetables can be grown. 
A variety of seeds can be taken. 
Cucumber and lettuce seeds are avaliable for spring planting. 
All seeds that can be taken are held in drawers. 
Donated seeds are stored in baskets. 
Seed packets come from all over. 
Spices are held on a shelf for the Spice Club. 
The library of things contains instruments for use. 
Games for summer can be taken from the library. 
Ukuleles are ready to be checked out at the Library of Things.
Seeds are now ready at the Mattapoisett Library for pickup. Photos by Mari Huglin
Gardeners can donate their own seeds.
All types of flowers and vegetables can be grown.
A variety of seeds can be taken.
Cucumber and lettuce seeds are avaliable for spring planting.
All seeds that can be taken are held in drawers.
Donated seeds are stored in baskets.
Seed packets come from all over.
Spices are held on a shelf for the Spice Club.
The library of things contains instruments for use.
Games for summer can be taken from the library.
Ukuleles are ready to be checked out at the Library of Things.
MATTAPOISETT — What do seeds, guitars and fishing poles all have in common? They can all be checked out at the library, of course.
The Mattapoisett Free Public Library offers a variety of non-media objects for patrons as part of its library of things, including a seed library reintroduced for spring.
Seeds of all sorts, either bought by the library or donated, are available for “check out” with a library card. The library only tracks how many seeds are taken and patrons do not need to return them.Library Director Jenny Martin said the seed library supports sustainability and helps local gardeners grow a variety of plants.
Alongside seeds, the library offers gardening books and equipment for patrons looking to learn more, and a gardening club meets regularly.
Ann Schattle, the head of circulation services, also started a spice club in 2022 in keeping with the food and sustainability theme.
Once a month, library staff make around 50 bags of a spice and collect four to six recipes highlighting it.
Club members can take a bag and don’t need a library card to check it out. Schattle said it is one the “loosest” clubs since they never meet, people don’t have to bring anything back and participants can always share feedback or what they have made.
Schattle said libraries have become “third spaces” that are free and open to all. She said the library is a place people can come and spend no money while staying warm in winter and cool in the summer.
“Books are still our foundation and are still heavily used, but libraries have evolved,” Schattle said.
She said libraries have changed to best serve their local communities. The Mattapoisett library is especially prepared for summer guests with its library of things.
“Where there's an interest, we want to meet the need,” Martin said.
For more information on these programs, visit the library located at 7 Barstow St.
