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#library

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Public #libraries should host #Mastodon servers. I really think this could be a good thing.

The county (or city/town depending on how it works in your area) IT department could host it, and people would use their library card to access the server. Or, alternatively, perhaps some kind of private-public partnership could be arranged where a non-profit organization handles the hosting and library staff can administer it.

My thinking is: #fediverse platforms like Mastodon offer a high quality, ad-free social media experience, but there are barriers to entry that will keep most people from benefitting from it. It’s been discussed ad nauseam, but there are the technical barriers. I don’t see financial barriers discussed as often though. It costs money to maintain your own server, and even with many people chipping in, most people aren’t going to pay a few bucks or more a month to use a social media platform. There are of course free client apps, but the best ones cost money, at least in my opinion.

Maybe this isn’t the strongest point to make at a time when libraries are struggling to stay funded and are likely at risk of losing a significant amount of funding, but assuming that’s a problem with a solution, allocating funds to #library budgets to run a Mastodon server (I’m guessing a relatively small line item) seems doable. Content moderation is another issue to be dealt with, but again, I think one not without a solution.

Thoughts?

#Louisiana: #WestFelicianaParish #Library launches a new #SeedLibrary

Feb 18, 2025

"Just in time for spring planting, the West Feliciana Parish Library announces the launch of its Seed Library — a community-driven initiative designed to make gardening accessible to everyone.

"The Seed Library allows patrons to 'borrow' seeds to grow their own food, flowers and herbs. Interested gardeners can take home seeds, plant them, enjoy the harvest, and, if possible, return seeds at the end of the season to keep the cycle going.

"This project was made possible through an #LSU #AgCenter #HealthyCommunitiesGrant and is maintained in partnership with the LSU AgCenter's West Feliciana Parish Extension Office.

"'Our goal is to empower our community with the ability to grow fresh, healthy food while promoting #biodiversity and #SelfReliance,' said Molly Porter, librarian. 'By participating, you're not just growing plants — you’re growing a stronger, more resilient community.'

How to get seeds from the library:

- Sign up: Fill out a Seed Library Patron Form and bring it to the circulation desk.
- Pick your seeds: Choose from a variety of seeds that thrive in the local climate. Three per week limit.
- Log your choices: Record the seeds you take in the binder to help track demand and replenish stock.
- Plant and enjoy: Take the seeds home, plant and watch them grow.
- Return seeds, if you can: If you save seeds from your harvest, bring some back to the library to share with others.

"Throughout the growing season, the library will offer workshops on gardening basics, seed saving and more."

For details, visit www.wfplibrary.org/seeds or stop by the library to get started or contact (225) 245-3752, or mporter@wfplibrary.org
theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/ne
#SeedLibrary #SeedSharing #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #LibrariesRule! #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #Gardening #FoodSecurity

The AdvocateWest Feliciana Parish Library launches a new seed libraryJust in time for spring planting, the West Feliciana Parish Library announces the launch of its Seed Library — a community-driven initiative designed to make gardening accessible to everyone.