Special Collections

Check out our Seed Library at Nowra Library, Ulladulla Library and Sanctuary Point Library.

What is the Seed Library?

A free borrowing (sharing) service aiming to encourage a love of growing and gardening, promote sustainability and build food resilience in our community.

How do I use the Seed Library?

1. You must be a member of Shoalhaven Libraries to join the Seed Library.
2. Pop into Nowra Library, Ulladulla Library or Sanctuary Point Library and ask our friendly staff about becoming a seed library member.
3. ‘Borrow’ two packets of seeds each time you visit.
4. Plant your seeds.
5. Let one or two of your plants produce seeds and donate the seeds back to the library for someone else to share.

Resources to help you grow and collect your seeds:

• ABC Gardening Australia: Informative guides on a wide range of topics including growing guides, soil health, troubleshooting and more.

• Newcastle Seed Library video guides:  Essential seed saving guides for beginners. Videos courtesy of Newcastle Libraries.

• Organic Gardener Magazine: Article: Essential guide to seed saving

• Organic Gardener Magazine: Article: Planting guides

• Growveg: Saving seed from your homegrown vegetables. 

Seed donations

Do you have any excess seeds at home? You are welcome to donate vegetable, herb or flower seeds to our seed library. Seeds must be clean, dry and labelled with as much information as possible including variety, date harvested and growing tips if you have any. Place donated seeds in an envelope or Ziploc bag and give to library staff.

Types of seeds

The Seed Library includes a variety of vegetables and herbs, however the collection will vary depending on donations and what is in season. The seed packets provide specific instructions on how to plant the seeds.

Terms & Conditions

• You must be a member of Shoalhaven Libraries to join the Seed Library. Joining is easy, join here.

• Availability of seeds is seasonal. Certain varieties of seeds may be unavailable from time to time.

• Shoalhaven Libraries makes no guarantee about the quality, variety or viability of seeds made available as part of the Seed Library. 

Save money on bills with our new energy kits

Shoalhaven City Council’s Energy Saving Kits can help you assess and save money on your home energy and water bills.  By calculating your energy and water use, you can start to make some simple changes to save money and make your home more comfortable and efficient.

Each kit contains a 10 Amp powermate to help measure power consumption and running costs, a non-contact thermometer to help assess surfaces and appliances, a water flow measuring cup to assess water usage, and a guide to assist in calculating your energy and water use.

Book one today from your local library.

Download the guide for How to use the Save Power Kit and the Worksheet Activities below.

 How to use the Save Power Kit

Save Power Kit: Worksheet Activities

Shoalhaven Libraries offer a variety of sensory items for in-library use. These items include fidget toys, calming toys, weighted items, and ear defenders. Please note that the available items may vary between library branches.

Shoalhaven Libraries offer collections specifically designed for individuals with vision impairments. These collections include:

• Large Print Books: Books with larger text for easier reading.
• Audiobooks: Narrated books that you can listen to on CD or via one of our Digital Library apps. 
• Playaways: Audiobooks contained on pocket-sized devices which do not require an internet connection.
• Braille Collection: Currently available in picture books only.
• Wonderbooks: Children's picture books that read along with you.

• Envoy Players: Handheld devices that can be pre-loaded with audiobooks, available via the Home Library Service only.

Nowra Library is equipped with adaptive PC desks designed for sit/stand or wheelchair use, ensuring accessibility and comfort for all patrons.

Shoalhaven Libraries' digital platform, BorrowBox, offers the option to use a dyslexic-friendly font in eBooks, making reading more accessible for individuals with dyslexia. 

The term "Hi-Lo" is short for "High Interest – Low Readability". Hi-Lo Books are perfect for struggling readers as they contain engaging, age-appropriate content that is written at a lower reading level (e.g. a book with themes of interest to teenagers but written at a grade 5 level). They are great for building confidence in teens and adults (or younger kids) who find regular books too hard.

What Hi-Lo Books Offer:

• High Interest - Content matches the reader's age or life stage (e.g. romance, mystery, real-life issues for teens/adults)
• Low Readability - Simple vocabulary, shorter sentences, and a clear structure make them less daunting and easier to read
• Supportive illustrations - Visuals that complement the text enhance comprehension and make the stories more exciting
• Engagement - They keep readers interested without overwhelming them, creating a sense of achievement and a positive reading experience

Who can read Hi-Lo Books:

• Struggling and/or reluctant readers
• People learning English
• Students in primary school through to high school
• Adults

View our collection of Hi-Lo Books here.