Jersey City’s Five Corners Library hosted an outpost of the Next Epoch Seed Library from Spring 2023 to Fall 2024. Seed packets of weedy plants from various sites in Jersey City, New Jersey, and the northeast region were available for library patrons to sign out.
During the installation, we were struck by how many library patrons of all ages approached us with questions. They wanted to know what we were doing, what the seed library was for, and how they could use it. That kind of spontaneous engagement is rare when we’re installing in a gallery or museum. We think it’s because libraries carry a built-in sense of public ownership—people assume that what’s inside is meant for them. Galleries, on the other hand, can feel more formal or closed-off, like there’s a specific way you’re supposed to behave, and usually you’re not allowed to touch the artwork. It made us appreciate how different the experience can be when the work lives in a truly public space.
We transplanted some small weeds from the parking lot, and the library staff watered them. Pretty soon they grew to the limits of their container.
Relevant library books were added to NESL’s collection in the roof of the structure.
