News – Foundation – Springfield City Library

Seed Library

In 2026, Springfield City Library is adding a Seed Library to every Branch!

Springfield City Library is expanding the Seed Library to all library Branches! Starting April 1, 2026, community members will be able to access FREE organic, non-GMO seeds at every library location to grow vegetables, greens, herbs, and flowers.

Springfield City Library’s Seed Library is made possible through generous donations from Vermont-based seed company High Mowing Organic Seeds, the Alliance of Native Seedkeepers, and UMass Amherst’s Common Seed Project. Thank you to these organizations for supplying seeds for urban gardening, vegetable gardens, container gardens, flower gardens, and more in Springfield, Massachusetts!

Help us celebrate the Seed Library with these special events, where you’ll receive a packet of the 2026 Common Seed: Hopi Black Dye Sunflower.

Seed Library Launch Party: Earth Day Planters
Sixteen Acres Branch Children’s Room
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 1:00pm–2:00pm
East Springfield Branch
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 3:00pm–4:00pm
Mason Square Branch
Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 4:00pm–5:00pm

To help spread the seeds all across the City, seed envelopes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. We ask that patrons take no more than 5 seed envelopes per library visit to help share the inventory. Each envelope contains enough seeds to grow at least a square foot of the plant.

Below you’ll find a list of varieties available in our Seed Library. Visit your local library Branch to see what seeds are in stock, to check out books on gardening, and to get help finding answers to all your growing questions!

Visit the Library’s website for the locations and hours of your nearest Branch.

2026 Seed Library Seeds

Category	Name of Plant
Bean	Maxibel Haricot Vert Bean
Bean	Rattlesnake Pole Bean
Bean	Northeaster Pole Bean
Bean	Compass Filet Bush Bean
Bean	Mardi Grad Blend Bean
Beet	Guardsmark Chiogga Beet
Beet	Touchstone Gold Beet
Beet	Red Ace Beet
Beet	Detroit Dark Red Beet
Broccoli	Waltham 29 Broccoli
Broccoli	De Cicco Broccoli
Broccoli	Belstar Broccoli
Cabbage	Golden Acre Cabbage
Cabbage	Amarant Cabbage
Cabbage	Caraflex Cabbage
Cabbage	Tiara Cabbage
Carrot	Dolciva Carrot
Carrot	Starburst Carrot Blend
Carrot	Naval Carrot
Carrot	Lila Lu Carrot
Carrot	Negovia Carrot
Cauliflower	Adona Cauliflower
Celery	Tango Celery
Chard	Fordhook Giant Chard
Chard	Sunset Chard
Cucumber	Shintokiwa Cucumber
Cucumber	Green Finger Cucumber
Cucumber	National Pickling Cucumber
Cucumber	Marketmore 76 Cucumber
Eggplant	Listada di Gandia Eggplant
Eggplant	Black Beauty Eggplant
Eggplant	Ping Tung Long Eggplant
Fennel	Preludio Fennel
Flowers (misc)	Sensation Blend Cosmos
Flowers (misc)	Black Beauty Poppy
Flowers (misc)	Planète Rouge du Jura Poppy
Flowers (misc)	Nigella
Flowers (misc)	Nasturtium Blend
Flowers (misc)	Resina Calendula
Greens	Bopak Pak Choi
Greens	Tat Soi Asian Green
Greens	Champion Collard Greens
Herbs	Bouquet Dill
Herbs	Greensleeves Dill
Herbs	Genovese Basil
Herbs	Thyme
Herbs	Grüne Perle Parsley
Herbs	Italian Flat Leaf Parsley
Herbs	Chives
Herbs	Santo Cilantro
Kale	Lacinato Dinosaur Kale
Kale	Ironman Kale Mix
Kale	Meadowlark Kale
Kale	Red Russian Kale
Leek	Tadorna Leek
Lettuce	New Red Fire Lettuce
Lettuce	Optima Butterhead Lettuce
Lettuce	Salad Bowl Lettuce
Lettuce	Green Towers Romaine Lettuce
Lettuce	High Mowing Blend Mesclun Lettuce
Lettuce	Pirat Butterhead Lettuce
Lettuce	Lovelock Lettuce
Lettuce	Freckles Lettuce
Lettuce	Red Planet Lettuce Salad Blend
Melon	True Love Melon
Melon	Moon & Stars Watermelon
Melon	Sugar Baby Watermelon
Melon	Blacktail Mountain Watermelon
Okra	Clemson Spineless 80 Okra
Onion	Cortland Onion
Onion	Red Geneva Cippolini Onion
Onion	Ailsa Craig Onion
Parsnip	Halblange Parsnip
Peas	Cascadia Snap Pea
Peas	Laxton’s Progress #9 Shell Pea
Peas	Mammoth Melting Snow Pea
Peas	Sweet Gem Sugar Snap Pea
Pepper, Hot	Early Jalepeno Hot Pepper
Pepper, Hot	Shishito Pepper
Pepper, Hot	Ring-O-Fire Cayenne Hot Pepper
Pepper, Sweet	King of the North Sweet Pepper
Pepper, Sweet	Picnic Orange Pepper
Pepper, Sweet	Golden California Wonder Sweet Pepper
Pepper, Sweet	California Wonder Sweet Pepper
Pepper, Sweet	HMS Red Picnic Pepper
Radish	Cherry Belle Radish
Radish	Sora Radish
Radish	Valentine’s Day Blend Radish
Radish	Daikon-type Radish
Radish	French Breakfast Radish
Spinach	Renegade Spinach
Spinach	Butterflay Spinach
Squash, Winter	Howden Pumpkin
Squash, Winter	Jack Be Little Pumpkin
Squash, Winter	Waltham Butternut Winter Squash
Squash, Winter	Burgess Butternut Winter Squash
Squash, Winter	Sweet REBA Acorn Squash
Squash, Summer	Yellow Crookneck Summer Squash
Sunflowers	Hella Sonnenblume Sunflower
Sunflowers	Goldy Double Sunflower
Sunflowers	Evening Colors Sunflower
Tomato	Sweetie Cherry Tomato
Tomato	Toma Verde Tomatillo
Tomato	Cherokee Purple Tomato
Tomato	Mountain Princess Tomato
Tomato	Black Cherry Tomato
Tomato	San Marzano Paste Tomato
Tomato	Peacevine Cherry Tomato
Tomato	Green Zebra Tomato
Tomato	Matt’s Wild Cherry Tomato
Tomato	Amish Paste Tomato
Tomato	Pink Champagne Cherry Tomato
Tomato	Supernova Grape Tomato
Tomato	Brandywine Tomato
Zinnias	County Fair Blend Zinnias
Zinnias	Red Scarlet Zinnia
Zinnias	Giant Coral Zinnia
Zinnias	Dwarf Thumbolina Zinnia
Zinnias	Yellow Zinnia
Zucchini	Dark Green Zucchini
Zucchini	Cocozelle Zucchini

PeoplesBank awards $10K to support Springfield Library summer programming

The Springfield Library Foundation has received a $10,000 grant from PeoplesBank to support the Springfield City Library’s 2025 Summer Reading Program, “Level Up At Your Library.”

Read on WWLP

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Springfield Library Foundation has received a $10,000 grant from PeoplesBank to support the Springfield City Library’s 2025 Summer Reading Program, “Level Up At Your Library.”

The funding will allow the library to expand programming and outreach efforts at its nine branches and through partnerships with local organizations. The initiative aims to boost participation and engagement among children, teens, and adults across the city.

“We are very grateful to PeoplesBank for their stalwart support of the Library,” said Matt Blumenfeld, Executive Director of the Springfield Library Foundation. “PeoplesBank’s investment matches funds that comes directly from the Library Foundation and will provide the City Library with critical resources to expand outreach and impact of this vital and fun program.”

This year’s theme, “Level Up At Your Library,” encourages community members to collectively reach a goal of one million minutes read over the summer. The program also aims to register more than 3,000 participants.

“This summer our mantra is One Million Reading Minutes,” said Rachel Gravel, the Library’s Manager of Adult & Youth Information Services. “We have set an ambitious goal and want to increase participation in the program to 3,000 children, youth and adults this summer.”

Matt Bannister, PeoplesBank’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Responsibility, presented the grant to the foundation. “Our commitment to the community is demonstrated through volunteerism and financial support and we see this grant as an investment in encouraging and inspiring new generations of life-long learners and readers. We are proud to support the Library Foundation and, in turn, the City Library to expand their reach and impact.”

The Summer Reading Program will begin in June with kickoff events for all ages, including a system-wide adult summer reading launch on June 12 at the Mason Square Branch. The season will wrap up with a city-wide End of Summer Celebration on August 23.

Activities funded by the grant include music classes, musical petting zoos, the Story City series, mobile arcade games, virtual reality experiences, role-playing and board game clubs, BINGO, and escape rooms. Children and teens who sign up will receive a free book of their choice, and participants will be eligible for weekly prizes as they track their reading progress.

All events and activities are free and open to the public. More information, including a full schedule, is available on their website. Springfield City Library continues to position itself as a vital hub for community wellness and support.

Summer series to support teen mental health at Springfield Library

The Springfield City Library is rolling out a citywide initiative this summer aimed at supporting the mental health of teenagers.

Read on WWLP

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Springfield City Library is rolling out a citywide initiative this summer aimed at supporting the mental health of teenagers, offering a range of free programs from May through September across all library branches.

The “Teen Mental Health Events” series is designed to help teens navigate the challenges of adolescence through activities that connect physical health, creative expression, and emotional resilience. With workshops and interactive sessions scheduled throughout the summer, the initiative seeks to provide tools and resources for mental wellness in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

“We understand that navigating the teenage years can bring unique challenges, and prioritizing mental health is crucial,” said Teen Services Librarian Sarah Hodge-Wetherbe, who is leading the project. “Our goal with this series is to empower teens with practical tools and knowledge while fostering a sense of community and connection across our city.”

The event series will include:

Movement and Mindfulness Workshops: Focused on stress reduction and emotional regulation through gentle exercise, yoga, breathing techniques, and guided meditation.
Creative Expression Sessions: Offering teens the chance to explore self-expression through art, writing, music, and other creative outlets.
Interactive Discussions: Facilitated conversations on topics such as managing anxiety, understanding different aspects of mental health, and learning how to advocate for oneself.

Events are open to all teens in Springfield and will rotate through various library locations to ensure accessibility across neighborhoods. No registration is required unless noted for specific sessions.

Complete schedules, including dates, times, and locations, will be posted on the Springfield City Library’s website and shared via the library’s social media channels.

In addition to traditional educational resources, the Springfield City Library continues to position itself as a vital hub for community wellness and support.

Do you know what you can do with a Springfield City Library Card?

Mayor Sarno joins Springfield Library staff in supporting the library’s initiative to sign up 10,000 members for library cards.

Read at the City’s website

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined Springfield Library Community Relations Coordinator Jamillah Medina Nova in supporting the library’s initiative to sign up 10,000 members for library cards. The library card will get you access to all of the resources and services that our city’s libraries have to offer, allows you to place a hold, use the electronic resources on the eLibrary, and so much more.

You can get a library card by visiting your local library branch in person to get full access to all of our physical and digital resources. If you would like instant access to our online resources, you can apply for a CW MARS eCard online! The eCard can be upgraded to a full library card later, if desired.

We’d like to remind residents that the library offers much more than just books! Chromebooks, hotspots, print-fax-scan, meeting rooms, video games, e-reading, and more!

The initiative teamed with Brother Johnnie Muhammad to provide free Shabazz wings to children who applied for a library card this past weekend, which was a huge success.

Mayor Sarno states, “I want to thank Jamillah Medina Nova and the entire library staff for working so hard every day to provide all of these incredible FREE resources to our community. Shout to our friend Brother Johnnie Muhammad for his support this past weekend too. Neighborhood library branches are an essential component of our community. They not only provide much-needed library services and reading materials for residents and kids, but they also serve as a gathering and meeting space for our community’s different programs and initiatives. Springfield Libraries serve as a community center for educational and cultural programming, as well as a social gathering place for our students and the surrounding community. It serves as a hub for free information and technology, social and civic participation, personal enrichment, and lifelong learning.”

The Springfield City Library offers nearly 5000 educational and recreational activities annually.

To learn more, visit www.springfieldlibrary.org; to acquire a Library Card, visit https://www.springfieldlibrary.org/…/get-a-library-card/

Mayor Domenic Sarno and Community Relations Coordinator Jamillah Medina Nova pose with an oversized Springfield library card.

Mayor Sarno supports Springfield Library Foundation Promise Realized Capital Campaign Event at East Forest Park Branch

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno continues to support the Springfield Library Foundation’s Promise Realized Capital Campaign for the East Forest Park Branch Library.

June 23, 2023:

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno continues to support the Springfield Library Foundation’s Promise Realized Capital Campaign for the East Forest Park Branch Library.

Mayor Sarno states, “My administration is proud to continue to support our beautiful neighborhood library system. I am extremely proud of the fact that even during these surreal and challenging times, while other communities have consolidated their local libraries, my administration has not only kept our neighborhood library sites open but we have expanded their hours of operations, programs offered and even built a brand-new state-of-the-art East Forest Park Library Branch for our residents. This could not have been accomplished with the great efforts from our Springfield Library Foundation and all of our sponsors and benefactors. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all who continue to support our beautiful Springfield Public Libraries.”

“We are fortunate to have the Foundation in our corner, and their support is instrumental in providing our residents with a world class library system. I know that the Foundation continues to seek donations and pledges for the Promise Realized Campaign, and I would encourage everyone who is capable, to continue to give as generously as they can.”

Construction on the 17,000 square foot building on Surrey Road was completed in November 2019 and the facility opened with tremendous praise and fanfare from the community in December.

The East Forest Park Library branch offers a Family and Children’s Room, dedicated Teen area, a Maker Space, a large community meeting room, quiet study rooms, dozens of computer stations, book and media collections, an outdoor patio and reading garden, and ample parking. It is completely accessible and also connected to the nearby Mary A. Dryden Veterans Memorial School via a special path for children.

Individuals, businesses and others interested in contributing may contact the Foundation, at promiserealizedcampaign@gmail.com or MBlumenfeld@springfieldlibrary.org for further information.

About the Springfield Library Foundation

The Springfield Library Foundation was formed in 2005 and is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, not-for-profit corporation organized and operated exclusively for the benefit of the Springfield City Library. The Foundation has two primary purposes:

To responsibly steward and manage endowed and other funds entrusted to the Foundation’s care by donors going back more than a century.
To encourage philanthropy and raise new funds, both restricted and unrestricted, in support of the Library’s programs, materials, services, and facilities.

Fulfilling these two purposes enriches the lives of every library patron, and ensures that Springfield’s library system remains vibrant and responsive to community needs. To learn more, visit http://www.springfieldlibrary.org/library/about/promise-realized/.

Check out the story at WWLP

The Springfield Library Foundation Mourns the Death of Charles V. Ryan

Charlie Ryan’s devotion to the City of Springfield and the Library were well-known facets of his long and productive life and his tireless efforts made it possible for our Library system to thrive.

The Springfield Library Foundation mourns the death of Charles V. Ryan who passed away on October 18, 2021 and extends heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.

Charlie Ryan’s devotion to the City of Springfield and the Library were well-known facets of his long and productive life and, as Mayor Domenic Sarno acknowledged in recent remarks, Charlie’s tireless efforts truly saved, enhanced and made it possible for our Library system to thrive. For the Library Foundation, Charlie was instrumental in guiding it toward its position today, as a key Library funder and advocate.

“We are deeply saddened by Charlie’s passing, and wish his entire family peace during this difficult time,” said Foundation President Pat Markey. “Charlie’s advocacy for the City Library and the Foundation have made it possible for us to support programs, materials and capital efforts for decades to come. His work has made a tremendously positive and direct impact on thousands of residents of Springfield, the City Charlie loved so well. He stands forever as a stellar role model as we dedicate ourselves to upholding his legacy and continuing to support Springfield’s children, adults, seniors and families through the good works of the City Library.”

The Ryan Family has requested that charitable gifts in memory of Charlie be made to the Springfield Library Foundation. Gifts may be made on line at: https://www.springfieldlibrary.org/library/about/the-springfield-library-foundation/ (please use the donate button), or by sending a donation to Springfield Library Foundation, 220 State Street, 4th Floor, Springfield MA 01103.

Springfield Library Foundation Announces the White Family’s gift to the East Forest Park Branch Promise Realized Campaign

The Springfield Library Foundation is pleased to announce that the six children of former City Solicitor William White and his wife Patricia have joined together to make a $200,000 commitment to the Promise Realized Capital Campaign for the new East Forest Park Library.

SPRINGFIELD, MA September 9, 2021 – The Springfield Library Foundation is pleased to announce that the six children of former City Solicitor William White and his wife Patricia have joined together to make a $200,000 commitment to the Promise Realized Capital Campaign for the new East Forest Park Library. A formal presentation ceremony with Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno to announce the gift was held at the East Forest Park Branch on September 9.

“On behalf of my sister and brothers, I am grateful that we have this opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to East Forest Park, the wonderful neighborhood where we were raised, and to future generations of Springfield residents,” said Thomas White. “We were so happy when our close family friend Bob Phelan raised the idea of the new library to us. When we came and visited Springfield and toured the new library last fall, my sister Maureen, John, and I were deeply impressed by the quality of the design the thought and care that went into creating such beautiful facilities for children, teens, and families.”

In recognition of the family’s gift, the Library will name the Children’s Place in honor of William and Patricia White. Plans are underway to hold a celebration at the East Forest Park Branch in the fall of 2021 to recognize all donors to the Promise Realized Campaign, at which time donor plaques and room names will be unveiled to the public.

“The Library Foundation wants to express its sincere and heartfelt thanks to the entire family for stepping up with such a generous leadership gift during these extraordinarily challenging times,” said Library Foundation President Patrick Markey. “This commitment demonstrates the strength of the bonds between our City of Springfield and families who have moved away but retain roots here. I hope this gift inspires others to give as well.”

The Whites, who worked closely with the Library Foundation to coordinate and structure the gift believe their parents would be delighted to know that the Children’s Room will bear their names in perpetuity. “Our parents loved raising our family in East Forest Park and they both believed fundamentally in the power of reading and public libraries to transform lives and open doors to opportunity. To be able to play a part in inspiring ongoing generations of children to explore and expand their possibilities through reading would certainly have brought them great joy. Our trip back to Springfield was made more memorable because we were able to meet up with Charlie Ryan, our father’s childhood friend and former law partner, along with Barbara Garvey, also a friend and neighbor. Both Charlie and Barbara have worked tirelessly to make the new library a reality,” commented Maureen White.

According to Matt Blumenfeld, the Library Foundation’s Executive Director, the Promise Realized Campaign has now raised just over $1.65 million toward its $2 million goal to close out the campaign and complete the $9.5 million project.

“While we have paused active fundraising for some time because of the pandemic, we do want to relaunch as soon as conditions warrant,” said Mr. Blumenfeld. “The Foundation has continued to receive contributions for the campaign as well as other purposes, but we remain mindful and respectful of other urgent needs in the community. I am incredibly thankful to the White family for sparking our relaunch with their wonderful philanthropic gift.”

Construction on the 17,000 square foot East Forest Park Branch on Surrey Road was completed in November 2019 and the facility opened with tremendous praise from the community in December. “Usage at East Forest Park Branch skyrocketed before we had to close, and we remain confident that it will continue to grow once we can fully reopen,” said Library Director Molly Fogarty. “Our staff are all grateful to John White and his siblings for this wonderful gift and cannot wait to see the Children’s Room once again full of youngsters and caregivers reading, learning and playing together.”

In addition to the 4,000 square foot Children’s Room, the East Forest Park Branch offers a dedicated Teen area, a Maker Space, a large community meeting room, quiet study rooms, dozens of computer stations, book and media collections, an outdoor patio and reading garden, and ample parking. It is completely accessible to all.

Individuals, businesses and others interested in contributing may contact the Springfield Library Foundation, at promiserealizedcampaign@gmail.com or MBlumenfeld@springfieldlibrary.org for further information. The campaign is accepting pledges for up to five years.

“The Library Foundation has been a strong steward of many gifts large and small, and we intend to continue this legacy far into the future,” said Mr. Markey. “Since 2005, the Foundation has contributed more than $6.5 million to the Springfield City Library, for books and materials, in support of the Mason Square branch, and for staff development and library programs. The Promise Realized Campaign continues this legacy and enables all of us to make a positive contribution to the future of the City of Springfield.”