PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. – noon, the Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, will host an event to celebrate the season opening of the Berkshire Seed Library.

 

The centerpiece of this event will be a ribbon-cutting for the Seed Library at 11 am, after which anyone with a library card may select up to 10 packets of vegetable or flower seeds to take home, free of charge.

 

If those interested do not have a library card, patrons can sign up for one for free anytime the library is open. In the spirit of a community library, users are encouraged to learn how to save seeds from plants they grow and donate them to the library next season.

 

The Season Opening celebration will also include a Seed Exchange area. Anyone may bring seeds they have at home to share with their neighbors. Particularly welcome are seeds that are unique, saved from previous harvests, or hold special meaning to growers. No library card is required to share or collect seeds from the Seed Exchange.

 

Finally, community organizations including Roots Rising, Master Gardeners, and the Common Seed Project will be available to answer questions and discuss resources related to gardening and healthy food. The Berkshire Seed Library is supported by the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum, and with donations from John's Ace Hardware, Carr Hardware, and the Pittsfield community. To learn more about the Seed Library, visit www.pittsfieldlibrary.org/seedlibrary.

 

For more information about the Seed Library Opening Celebration, call 413-499-9480 ext. 202 or email info@pittsfieldlibrary.org.