Age-Friendly University and the Library

3D Printing Services are back as of January 23, 2023!

How to print in the library

1. Create your own design or choose from designs shared by others.  If you are looking for ready-made designs, there are a number of websites below that will provide you with downloadable templates.​​​​​
2. Fill in the request form and upload your file. 
3. Approve the cost.  Library staff will email you the estimated cost ($1.50 / hour) and print date.
4. You will be emailed when your print job is ready for pickup.  Payment must be made in cash.

See our  3D Printing Guide for more details.

Designs

Software

Tutorials

Another Year of the Seed Exchange program

Thank you to all donors and participants of the Seed Exchange program for your support. The program will resume at both the North Oshawa and Downtown Oshawa library locations, starting Wednesday, March 15th, 2023. Come and check it out at the libraries!

For thousands of years, people have cultivated gardens. Until recent times saving seed from the previous year’s crop to plant the following season was an essential part of the process. Today many people are enjoying the return of the seed saving tradition.

Seed saving is important because you:

• Develop seeds that become acclimated to our local climate
• Grow plants that are more pest resistant
• Save money on seeds and plants
• Know the origin of your food
• Become less dependent on large food producers

The seeds initially selected for this pilot fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Heirloom variety
• Container gardening friendly
• Native
• Attract pollinators - beneficial insects

Donations of corn, soy, canola, rose seeds or any controlled substance are unacceptable.

Participation is free, but it is asked that you not only save seeds for yourself, but the Library as well. When you return or donate seeds to the collection it allows the project to remain sustainable through future growing seasons.

Borrowing

1. Choose up to 5 packets of seeds to sign-out (in the binder), take home and plant.
2. Note instructions specific to your seeds on how to plant and save.
3. Plant your seeds and enjoy!

Returning

1. Review the specific instructions for viable harvesting of seed.
2. Collect and dry seed. Set some aside for yourself to use next year, and some to return to the Library.
3. Drop off your seeds at the Library for others to check out! Record in the binder what you have provided.

The Seed Exchange can be found at the Reference Desk at both the North Oshawa Campus Library and the Social Sciences Education and Humanities Library.

FAQs

Can I take advantage of this program if I am not a student or faculty of Ontario Tech?

Yes!  Everyone in the community is welcome to visit one of our Ontario Tech campus libraries to participate in this program.

Are all the seeds organic?

The seeds labelled as such were acquired from sources that are certified organic. Users are encouraged to practice organic growing methods and to be as accurate as possible when providing information on their seed donations. There is no guarantee that the seeds donated by community members are organic.

What if I can’t return seeds?
It would be appreciated if you return a small portion of whatever seed you are able to save. You will not be penalized if you are not able to return seed, but it is the community that will keep this a self-sustaining service.

What seeds do you have?
The contents of the seed library are in a continual state of flux. Please visit the Library to choose available seed.

For full details, see our Seed Exchange guide.