The formation of the Long Island Seed Libraries group happened organically.
Librarian were looking to implement a new service for their patrons and began reaching out to each other for assistance. Before I started the MCPL Seed Library in 2018, I reached out to the few known seed libraries in public libraries on Long Island. The librarians I spoke to were very generous with their time and shared resources and their ideas. Still having many questions and looking for ways to grow our Seed Library, MCPL hosted the first Long Island Seed Libraries Roundtable on March 7, 2019. I reached out to Regina Dlugokency to help me run the program and she agreed without hesitation. Since then we’ve hosted a round tables each Spring and Fall. Regina and I have also presented “How to Grow a Seed Library in your Community” at the New York Library Association (NYLA) Conference and Long Island Library Conference (LILC).
This year we thriving to make and even bigger impact. We are looking forward to our new presentation “Seed Libraries of Long Island: Sowing Seeds for the Future.” This will concentrate on how seed libraries can make a positive environmental impact and will highlight our work with the Suffolk Alliance for Pollinators and Xerces Society.
Meet the Founders…
Amber Gagliardi has been an Adult Reference Librarian at the Middle Country Public Library (MCPL) since 2011 specializing in literacy services and programming. Using her knowledge as a lifelong gardener, Amber established MCPL’s Seed Library in 2018. As part of the mission of the seed library, she coordinates and presents unique eco-friendly gardening and craft programs. Recognizing that providing seeds improves access to nutritious food for underserved populations and enhances environmental conditions on Long Island, Amber became an advocate for others to start seed libraries. In 2019, founded the Long Island Seed Libraries Roundtable as a way to share knowledge. Amber is also chair of SCLA’s Multicultural and Outreach Services Committee (MOSAIC) and is a Board Member of Literacy Suffolk.
Regina Dlugokencky is a Reference Librarian and Organic Grower. An avid gardener since age eight, she founded SeedSower Farm in 2009. In 2017, Regina established Nassau County’s first Seed Library at Glen Cove Public Library where she created programming and workshops on sustainable gardening. In 2024 Regina joined the Xerces Society as a Volunteer Ambassador, where she works to” advance invertebrate conservation by participating in community science, organizational tasks, and community engagement.