The event site states, “hip-hop’s impact and influence have reached beyond music throughout culture, from fashion to film to literature and more. Join us this spring and summer as the library celebrates the legacy of hip-hop with programs, reading recommendations, and more, culminating in a celebration in August. Information about events and resources can be found here, https://www.nypl.org/spotlight/hip-hop-50.   

Genre Booklists
https://www.nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/hip-hop/adults  

Ideas to celebrate Hip Hop Legacy and Development at Your Library
https://www.nypl.org/events/hip-hop  

Video content from The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSchomburgCenter  

There are many more ways to celebrate and also learn more about Hip Hop’s story. Start with these resources to see the contributions and impact of Hip Hop Artists and fans. 

Watch the first Hip Hop Movie, Wild Style released in 1983, free on TubiTV 
https://tubitv.com/movies/491731/wild-style  

Read up on XXL’s Top 25 Impactful Hip Hop Producers 
https://www.xxlmag.com/hip-hop-producers-impact/  

Check out BET’s Anniversary Page 
https://www.bet.com/topic/hiphop50thanniversary  

Listen to NPR’s Podcast: 50 Years of Hip Hop 
https://www.npr.org/podcasts/1152139160/50-years-of-hip-hop  

Watch the PBS “Fight the Power” Series 
https://to.pbs.org/3UZzesC  

Learn the Impact on Education  
bit.ly/41TCubw 

Learn the Impact on Fashion 
How Hip-Hop Changed Fashion: 50th Anniversary Retrospective – WWD  

Check Out Books from Goodread’s Curated Reading List 
The Definitive List of Hip-Hop Books (143 books) (goodreads.com)  

Attend Can’t Stop Hip Hop -A Conference to Celebrate & Elevate the Power of Hip Hop (in) Education Held at the Harvard Graduate School of Education 
https://www.cantstophiphop.org/ 

Take some Masterclasses 
NAS teaches storytelling —  https://www.masterclass.com/classes/nas-teaches-hip-hop-storytelling  

QuestLove teaches music curation and DJing — https://www.masterclass.com/classes/questlove-teaches-music-curation-and-djing  

Browse Kennedy Center’s Education Page  — bit.ly/3LnGzzb 

The post NYPL Celebrates 50 Years of Hip-Hop first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

DISTRIBUTING AND/OR EXCHANGING SEEDS

Seed collections range from seed distribution to seed exchanges. Distribution refers to collecting and distributing retailer-sourced or donation-sourced seeds. Creating an exchange is a larger endeavor that includes accepting seeds to curate and share later. 

Cleveland Public Library highlights their partnership with the Cleveland Seed Bank and how they distribute and promote sharing in the community. 

Augusta County Public Library, in Virginia, distributes and collects seeds. 

After attending a conference session in 2016, Rachael Phillips, Adult Services Manager at Augusta County Library, was eager to begin. “I was interested in the historical aspect of saving seeds. We focus on sustainability,” she said. Phillips’ community cherishes their history and the connection with food and growing. “It took about a year to get going, after doing research,” Phillips added. After seven years, the project became self-sustaining, with a jump-start after the Covid-Pandemic. Seeds are now available at all seven library locations. “I would encourage anyone thinking about it to start. It is a low-stakes project and patrons love it,” Phillips added.  

GROWING YOUR OWN SEED LIBRARY

Dig up information to see if there is a current program in your area. There may be a partner willing to include your location as a pick-up/ drop-off point or provide information on local resources. Most importantly, ensure your project complies with state agricultural law, created to properly regulate seeds and distribution. Common partners in current seed libraries are: 

•  Master Gardeners
• Universities with an extension program, like program at University of MD: 

Sprouting a collection with no partners is also doable. Do you know the difference between a conventional and heirloom seed? Do you have a green thumb on staff? If not, the following resources provide materials and training videos to help you decide the scale and purpose of your project.
 

• Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library 
• BASIL Project 
•  Illinois Library: Seed Library Research Guide 

Any type of seed library would benefit from some common materials, according to Richmond Grows resource website. 

• Cabinets for seeds 
• Seeds  
• Labels for the outside of the drawers
• Labels for dividers (in drawers) 
• Dividers for diverse types of seeds  
• Wooden dividers for the drawer  
• 1-2 stamps for checking in and out 
• 1-2 stamp pads 
• Envelopes for borrowing seeds  
• A ledger (either online or in-person) for checking out and donating/returning seeds. 

PROGRAM AND MARKETING IDEAS

Once the collection is ready, you’ll want to let people know through marketing, creative programming, or both. Here are some ideas from seasoned and newer programs.

Create a state-wide program initiative like One Michigan One Seed. 

Offer series of educational programming from expert partners like, Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program. 

Celebrate National Seed Swap Day like Carroll County Public Library in Maryland. 

Talbot County Free Library in Maryland maintains a Seed Library Facebook group. 

GRANTS

According to Phillips, seeds and a logbook are all you really need to get started. But if you’re looking for more funds or freebies, check out the following organizations. 

 Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant  – Applications re-open in December 2023 

Native Seed Community Seed Grant 

Seedsavers Exchange 
 
 

The post Sowing Seeds for Community Impact first appeared on Public Libraries Online.