Signs of spring at the Eden Prairie Library

The Eden Prairie Seed Library is now stocked and ready for a new growing season.

The seed library is intended for library patrons to take seeds to grow for themselves and also leave seeds for other growers to use. It began in the fall of 2023 and was well used, with more than 16,000 seed packets taken home last year.

Jackie White, a library specialist and seed library curator, loves seeing families gathered around the cabinet, talking about the seeds and checking out the gardening books for adults and kids.

Not only can people grow food for themselves, but growers are encouraged to consider donating their fresh produce to PROP Food for distribution.

Library staff have planned a bouquet of activities this spring for our community.

The Mary Ann Key Book Club uses reading as a catalyst for conversation as we attempt to better understand past and current injustices – including systemic racism, other forms of discrimination, and bias that affects marginalized communities.

The current selection for discussion this spring is “The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row” by Anthony Ray Hinton. Opportunities to engage with others on this topic are available on the library’s website.

The 2024 election year is blossoming, starting with a special election on May 14 to fill the vacant position for Hennepin County commissioner in District 6. Hennepin County Elections Office staff will be at the library on April 10 to answer your questions about this special election.

In May, AARP will present Protect Yourself From Fraud and Identity Theft, discussing safeguards against identity theft and fraud, and what to do if you or someone you know has been a victim.

Each month, PROP’s employment counselor will be at the library to help anyone with their job searching process. Goodwill-Easter Seals also offers a monthly employment counseling service at the library.

In addition to our weekly Homework Help program for school kids in grades K-12, the library has offered meeting rooms throughout the school year for weekly ESL classes from Metro South ABE, helping English Language Learners move forward with their goals for learning English.

Spring programming for kids continues, including regular storytimes for families and babies, and Chess Club for teens.

Drop in on Saturday, March 19, for Fossils and Clay Art with Three Rivers Parks to explore real fossils of crustaceans, plants, petrified wood, and more.

The Textile Center will be at the library on Saturday, March 23, when kids in grades 6-12 can use the ancient technique of needle felting to create Needle Felted Pets.

Hop onto our Events page to see if registration is required and to find more events for all ages.

Editor’s note: This seasonal column provides news and events at the Eden Prairie Library. The writer, Carrie Brunsberg, started as a librarian at the Minneapolis Central Library of the Hennepin County Library system and has been an adult services librarian at the Eden Prairie Library for 11 years.