As National Library Week continues, we wanted to share a story that truly captures the kind of impact a library can have, not just within its walls, but out in the community.
At a recent Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce event, we met Lindsey from Sweets by Kash. When she learned we were from the library, she lit up and shared a story that felt perfectly suited for this week.
“It was so nice to meet you at the ribbon cutting ceremony,” Lindsey told us. “The Algonquin Library is a favorite place for us to visit, and I would love to get involved in any way that I can.”
Lindsey went on to talk about her experience with our Seed Library, and how it unexpectedly became something much bigger for her family.
Two years ago, she and her son stopped by the library on a whim. They had heard about the Seed Library and decided to see if any packets were still available, even though they were a bit late that season. To their surprise, there were still seeds left. They picked up tomatoes, lettuce, kale, and a few others, then headed home excited to try something new.
That first garden may have been small, but the results were anything but. From just a handful of free seeds came an abundant harvest. What started as a simple spring experiment quickly grew into something more meaningful. It became a shared activity with Lindsey’s mom, time spent together nurturing something, and something to look forward to each day.
The following year, they returned early and expanded their efforts. They planted Tigger melons, Emerald Gem melons, acorn squash, butternut squash, tomatoes, leeks, and wildflowers, along with seeds from other sources. Their garden grew, along with their curiosity and confidence.
Now in their third year, their garden is nearly four times its original size. They’ve added more varieties and even planted two apple trees. What began as a small experiment has turned into a full-fledged tradition.
And this year, they made a thoughtful choice. Instead of taking seeds from the AAPLD Seed Library, they chose to not take more so other families could discover them, hoping to spark a similar experience for someone else.
“The seed program sparked something special in our home,” Lindsey shared. “Now we’re able to pay it forward. We share extra produce and saved seeds with our neighbors at no cost, inviting the community to enjoy the harvest right along with us. The Algonquin Library’s seed program didn’t just help us grow vegetables; it helped us grow a tradition.”
Stories like this are a reminder that libraries are about more than books. They’re about connection, discovery, and the small moments that grow into something lasting.
Thank you to Lindsey and her family for sharing their story, and for continuing to spread that joy throughout the community. Today, as the founder of Sweets by Kash, Lindsey brings that same creativity into her baking, even incorporating ingredients from her own garden. And we have to say, those cupcakes look incredible.
Do you have a story about how the library has made a difference in your life or your family? We’d love to hear it. Drop us a line or stop in to fill out a form and let us know how the library has positively impacted your life.
As a small thank you for supporting the library, you can even grab a Hershey's Kiss, our way of celebrating the joy libraries bring to our community.