The Westhampton Free Library is in the process of growing a new seed library and complementary programs to honor the memory of Ann Skovek, who bequeathed $1.3 million to the Library in 2011.

The new initiative, which will kick off on June 1, will provide library patrons the opportunity to “check out” heirloom seed packets that are hand-stamped by local teens and come complete with growing instructions. The Library will also host programs that teach attendees how to grow and care for plants, how to use the plants they grow, and how to harvest seeds from the plants they grow so they can be donated back to the Library for a continuous cycle of sharing.

It is the Library’s hope to develop the program further and incorporate a fall bulb planting day, as well as additional children’s programming that relates to planting and growing.

The seed library will include vegetables seeds such as arugula, beans, lettuce and peas; herbs such as basil, cilantro, mint, parsley and oregano; and flowers including sunflowers, nasturtiums and zinnias.

Ms. Skovek was known to spend her free time in her garden and at the Library. The funding she left the Library is now being used for a current renovation project that will result in the conversion of 2,500 square feet of unusable space into usable space. It includes the expansion of the children’s program room and a reconfiguration of the Library’s main floor to accommodate a more efficient flow, additional book stacks and a quiet study room. It is expected to be completed by June 2019.