The Eagle Rock Library is lending more than books and movies these days.

Branch Librarian Jamie Duvall has created a new seed library program to encourage patrons to learn about agriculture by growing their own plants with flower, herb and vegetable seeds provided by the library.

The library provides a collection of heirloom seeds available to patrons to help highlight those rare varieties and encourage the consumption of local produce. This seed library is only the second such offering in the Roanoke Valley and began lending at the end of April. DuVall said she’s gotten advice and assistance from the Salem Library, which already had the seed program.

The library section is at the end of one of the shelves of books near the checkout at the library.

“We strive to promote a wide variety of experiences at the library beyond the traditional book lending opportunities,” said Duvall. “The seed library will provide an opportunity for hands-on agricultural education, promoting outdoor activities, and fostering diversity in our food system.”

Duvall said she learned about another seed library when she was in Radford, but never got the chance to start it there before taking the Eagle Rock position.

The Eagle Rock seed library works much like a traditional library.

Free of charge, patrons may borrow up to five packets of seeds to grow at home. Seeds from the plantings are then returned at the end of the growing season in order to replenish the library for the next season.

The library also provides packets to return the seeds and information regarding the proper growing of the plants and preserving of the seeds. The library also accepts donations of heirloom seeds to expand the offerings of the program.

“Botetourt County has a rich agricultural heritage, and the Board of Supervisors identified the promotion of agriculture as a key part of its strategic plan,” said Director of Libraries Steve Vest. “The seed library is an innovative way that the libraries can contribute to the county’s broader community goals.”

The Eagle Rock Library held a “saving seeds” program in the spring, and Duvall plans another for patrons later in the summer when folks start harvesting.

Copies of seed-saving guides are available at the library to help ensure patrons save seeds properly.

Goals of the program are to highlight rare and heirloom varieties of flowers, herbs and vegetables, and to foster diversity in the local food system, a brochure about the program says— those along with promoting outdoor activities and the consumption of fresh local produce.

Full details of the seed library’s lending program are available at the Eagle Rock Library during regular business hours. Inquiries about new donations of heirloom and rare seeds should be directed to Duvall.