Bristol Public Library launches seed exchange in memory of Perida Patey

Bristol Public Library has started a seed-exchange program funded by memorial contributions honoring Perida Patey, the library announced. Patrons with a valid library card may sign a log and take up to five seed packets per month; the library asks — but does not require — that patrons return seeds from harvested plants to help replenish the collection.

Library staff described the seed exchange as both a tribute to Patey’s longtime civic involvement and a community outreach tool. “For patrons with a valid library card to be able to come in, we will have a log book where they can sign what seeds they're taking so we can keep track of what needs to be replenished. They can take up to 5 seed packets each month,” a library staff member said. The program includes herbs, vegetables and an assortment of flowers, and the Virginia High School horticulture class provided and packaged starter seed packets.

The cabinet was purchased with funds from memorial gifts made to the Bristol Library Foundation after Patey’s death. Library staff said the cabinet is built to be portable — it breaks into four sections so the library can bring part of the seed exchange to schools, farmers markets and other community events.

Perida Patey came to Bristol in 1951 and spent her career in local education and civic service. She served on the Bristol Tennessee Board of Education (holding an appointed seat from 1973 to 1978 and later an elected four-year term), served on the Bristol Tennessee Electric System (now Bristol Tennessee Essential Services) as the board’s first woman member and later first female chair, and served on the Bristol Library Board from January 1990 to December 1998. She was active in the Sullivan County Children's Advocacy Center, which opened in 1991, and in local civic organizations including the Junior League of Bristol and the American Red Cross.

A family member recalled Patey’s ties to gardening and education. “She loved three things in addition to her family. She loved Bristol. She loved learning and books. And she really loved gardening,” the family member said. The family asked that memorial contributions be made to the Bristol Library Foundation; those funds were used to start the seed-exchange program and to purchase the storage cabinet.

Library staff and family members said they hope the program will encourage community gardening, intergenerational participation and partnerships with local schools. Plans discussed include bringing part of the cabinet to the farmers market and developing programming with the Virginia High School horticulture class about growing and seed propagation.

Details recorded by library staff include a monthly per-patron limit (up to five seed packets), a logbook to track circulation and a portable cabinet that disassembles into four sections for outreach. The program’s seed supply began with donations packaged by the Virginia High School horticulture class and purchased starter packets funded by memorial gifts to the Bristol Library Foundation.

Officials did not announce a schedule of future outreach events or a formal timeline for program expansion. The library described the initiative as a way to honor Patey’s lifelong interest in education, community service and gardening.