Leicester Library Branch Manager Presents on Feeding Patrons Bodies, Along with Hearts and Minds

Anna Booraem, Leicester Library Branch Manager, represented Buncombe County at The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) annual conference in Montgomery, Alabama in September 2026. Through her presentation, “Seed Libraries, Community Gardens, and Freedges: Creating Programs that Feed Your Community and Build Resilience”, Booraem shared strategies and ideas on how to provide food to patrons, bring in more volunteers and collaborators and help communities develop resilience. 

She focused on some of the programs that are working at the Leicester Library, including community gardens, seed libraries, and freedges. Freedges are sharing mechanisms that reduce food insecurity and food waste, promoting equal access to healthy food through the installation of community fridges used to share food and ideas at the neighborhood level. Following her presentation, Booraem brainstormed with attendees to explore how other communities can implement one or more of the programs she highlighted at their library. The mission of ARSL is to build strong communities through advocacy, professional development, and elevating the impact of rural and small libraries. 

Stop by the Leicester Library at 1561 Alexander Dr. to see the freedge, Giving Garden, and more.

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