TEESWATER – The Bruce County Public Library (BCPL) recently announced a generous donation from the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) – a cutting-edge hydroponic unit.
The Teeswater branch will permanently display the unit, where it will be available for patrons to help themselves to herbs and leafy greens that will be grown there.
The hydroponic unit is an indoor garden with a built-in watering system and LED lights. Watering and lights are on a timer system that ensures plants have everything they need to produce an array of healthy herbs and vegetables indoors, with little supervision.
This is a valuable addition to the Bruce County Public Library’s seed libraries, launched earlier this year. The seed libraries have been an astounding success, with over 600 packages picked up from the library. This has offered library patrons a unique opportunity to learn and engage in sustainable gardening practices.
“We are immensely grateful to the NWMO for their ongoing support and donation of the hydroponics unit,” said the library’s director, Brooke McLean. “This addition to our seed library program aligns perfectly with the program’s goal to provide educational resources and empower Bruce County residents to embrace food sustainability. We look forward to seeing its positive impact on our patrons.”
Seed libraries can also be found at library branches in Chesley, Kincardine, Lucknow, Southampton, Tobermory, Walkerton and Wiarton.
Seed libraries are free to use with your BCPL card. Getting a card is easy, and there is no charge. You can visit your local branch to register or sign up online at getacard.brucecounty.on.ca. Donating back to the seed library is not a requirement, but there are labelled envelopes for patrons to return harvested seeds.
New to gardening? Bruce County Public Library carries a large selection of books and other resources to help get you started, as well as in-person and online events to help patrons learn about planting and harvesting seeds.
