Inverclyde libraries add hydroponic gardening stations

The council-run organisation has procured several hydroponic growing stations as part of a project backed by the Scottish Library and Information Council and the Public Library Improvement Fund.

Term-time library clubs for children aged eight to 12 years old at Gourock, Port Glasgow, Greenock South West, Kilmacolm and Greenock Central libraries have been cultivating hydroponic herbs or vegetables under the supervision of staff.

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A key aim of the project has been to introduce outdoor play and gardening opportunities at local libraries, which has also led the local service to run family outdoor workshops in partnership with RIGArts at South West Library’s drying green garden.

An Inverclyde Council spokesperson said: “By using hydroponics all library branches who do not have garden areas like South West can take part in regular garden and growing activities.

“The use of hydroponics hopes to encourage sustainable conversations and promote the green agenda with the children and their families as they grow and use their own herbs and vegetables. 

“It also means that this can be done year-round and indoors. 

“The hydroponic systems are visible in the libraries so that all customers can get involved in this new initiative.  

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“We have a collection of gardening books which families can borrow from the library along with eBooks available online via our BorrowBox service.

“We are in the early stages of our hydroponic learning with both library staff and customers keen to see how the systems work as the vegetables grow and to have our first harvest.”

The council’s library clubs are currently on hiatus and will resume in September after local schools return from their summer break.

The local authority will be advertising the clubs over the school holidays to allow parents and guardians to register interest ahead of their return.