Gardeners looking to add some variety to their spring planting can do so for free next week.
The Dunbar branch of the Kanawha County Public Library system will hold its annual plant and seed exchange during regular library hours May 2-7.
Dana Smook, the branch manager at the Dunbar library, said last year's exchange was popular among local residents.
"As people saw it was sitting out during the week, they would go home and bring in their extra [plants], so the week made it more successful," Smook said.
The seed exchange is free; the idea is to bring some seeds, seedlings or plants to swap out for new ones, she said.
"People have extras in their own garden that they don't want to throw away, so they have a place to take it to," Smook said.
A table with seeds and plants will be set up in the library's lobby all of next week.
Smook said various "swaps" have become popular in libraries as a way to attract visitors and engage with the community.
"Some do prom dress swaps, Halloween costumes or craft supplies, just to bring more people in and engage the public in different kinds of ways," she said.
"Dunbar has this tradition of community gardening, so I thought it might do well."
The Dunbar library is at 301 12th St., and is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The library is closed on Sundays. For more information, call 304-766-7161.
For information on other programs and special events organized by the Kanawha County Library system, visit http://kanawhalibrary.org/events-classes/.
Reach Elaina Sauber at elaina.sauber@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-3051 or follow
@ElainaSauber on Twitter.