Senior librarian Joanna issues and receives books daily, consults readers, and takes care of the book collections. But her work is not limited to just that. Thanks to her passion for plants, knowledge, and experience, one can receive not only new books at the library but also help for houseplants.
Here, there is a "hospital" and "hotel" for plants. In the first case, plants come for treatment and recovery, while in the second, they stay during the owners' vacation or prolonged absence. Additionally, the library has a seed bank that anyone can use. You can also bring your own flower and herb seeds there.
The initiative arose naturally from everyday work and the interests of readers.
— On one hand, it was quite a spontaneous idea, but on the other hand, it was well thought out. During my work, I realized that I have knowledge about plants that I can share. Readers increasingly sought advice, and I also shared seedlings with them. That’s how the idea of the «hotel» and «hospital» for plants came about, — says senior librarian Joanna Jasińska.
The «plant hotel» is especially useful for those who go away and cannot ensure care for their houseplants. In this case, plants can be left at the library — they will be watered, monitored for their condition, and cared for until the owners return.
— If someone is going on vacation or a long trip and doesn’t have a neighbor who could take care of the flowers, they can bring them to us. We take care of them during this time. The «hospital» is for plants that need help: if they are not growing well or it’s unclear what is happening to them, we provide recommendations or take them in for treatment for a shorter or longer period, — explains Joanna.
Most often, plants requiring special care end up at the library.
— We have the most palms — they are quite temperamental. They look great at first, but over time they often lose their decorative appeal. There are also strelitzia and a Benjamin fig that even recovered from an almost dried-up trunk. We accept almost any plants and are not yet worried about how their future will unfold, — adds the «green therapist.» The initiative is complemented by the seed bank.
— We share seeds of hardy plants with readers that can be grown even on a balcony: nasturtiums, matthiolas, arugulas. These are basic herbs and flowers that enliven the space. Seeds can be taken home, — says Joanna Jasińska.
The library also welcomes seed exchanges among residents.
Address: Biblioteka Cisowa, ul. Chylońska 237, Gdynia
Opening hours:
Monday: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday: closed
