Sowing Community at MCPL

Story & Graphic by Emerson Godfrey – Assistant Copy Editor

The Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) offers a multitude of events, activities, and opportunities beyond the shelves that most of the public know them for. Amongst these events is the Plant Swap, a perfect chance to exchange plants with fellow gardeners around the area.

   “It brought people together over their mutual love of plants, as well as wanting to learn more about other plants that maybe they haven’t grown before. This program gave participants the opportunity to share tips and tricks of plant care, as well as meet other community members with a similar interest,” Cathy Pfeifer, branch manager and programming associate at the East Lee’s Summit Branch, said.

   The Plant Swap has provided community ties for many neighboring patrons and library goers.

   “By the end of the program, there was camaraderie amongst the participants. She [Courtney, assistant manager at the East Lee’s Summit Branch] ran the program in a semi-auction-like style, so that brought an element of fun to the program as well,” Pfeifer said.

   The Plant Swap has had great responses from the community in the past.

   “We had several attendees who were first-time program attendees. There has also been an impact in that we received feedback from attendees that they wanted this program offered again, so we have made sure to have it available again to the community,” Pfeifer said.

   The Plant Swaps are scheduled for different days and MCPL locations across the Kansas City metro. The next Plant Swap this year will be on April 14 at the Kearney Branch in Kearney, MO. The MCPL Plant Swap is sure to bring in both old and new plant-loving people in the KC area this spring.