Describes the library at the New England Small Farm Institute (NESFI), located at 275 Jackson Street in Belchertown, MA

Charney, Madeleine K.

English

ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst

University of Massachusetts AmherstScholarWorks@UMass AmherstUniversity Librarians Publication Series University LibrariesSeptember 2005Hidden Jewel of Information UncoveredMadeleine K. CharneyUniversity of Massachusetts - Amherst, mcharney@library.umass.eduFollow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umass.edu/librarian_pubsPart of the Library and Information Science CommonsThis Article is brought to you for free and open access by the University Libraries at ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst. It has been accepted for inclusionin University Librarians Publication Series by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst. For more information, please contactscholarworks@library.umass.edu.Recommended CitationCharney, Madeleine K., "Hidden Jewel of Information Uncovered" (2005). Western Massachusetts Master Gardener Association - website.22.Retrieved from https://scholarworks.umass.edu/librarian_pubs/22Gardening Topic http://www.wmassmastergardeners.org/0509.htm1 of 2 1/24/2008 3:39 PMGardening Topic for September 2005Hidden Jewel of Information UncoveredProvided by the Western Massachusetts Master Gardener Associationwww.wmassmastergardeners.org.By Madeleine Charney, Master Gardener InternThe New England Small Farm Institute (NESFI), located at 275 Jackson Street in Belchertown, wasfounded in 1978 by Judith Gillan as a citizen action group called Women in Agriculture. Its mission is topromote the viability of our region's small farms through the development and delivery of innovative,farmer-guided programs and resources, direct assistance to aspiring, new and developing farmers, andadvocacy for sustainable, small-scale agriculture. NESFI is housed in a refurbished, historic barn and sits on a 416-acre farm boasting a full view of theHolyoke Range. It is well-known in the region by farmers and the agencies which serve them. People fromall over New England visit the website, attend NESFI-sponsored courses, call for information, and utilizetheir matching services for seeking/offering land and farm work opportunities. What often goes undiscovered however is the treasure trove of information in NESFI's Library. The NESFILibrary is one of the largest specialized collections on small-scale farming and sustainable agriculture in theNortheast. The collection contains over 5,000 books, periodicals, documents, videos, and microforms.Furthermore, you can now browse most of the library's holdings via the online catalog accessible throughthe NESFI web site http://www.smallfarm.org/library/ However, the best way to become familiarized with the breadth and depth of this collection is to set aside afew hours, settle into the "comfy chair" and read to your heart's content. The Library is open to the publicand all are welcome to browse, free of charge (borrowing privileges may be obtained with a $10/annualmembership). Library users include seasoned, beginning, and aspiring small farmers, Extension specialists,students, farmers transitioning to organic and sustainable practices, and policymakers. Many items could beof interest to the Master Gardener as well. Consider how these tools will boost your understanding of your own landscapes as well as aiding in yourpreparations to educate the public. For instance, the library contains books on plant identification, videos onsmall-scale composting, information on permaculture (an ecological design system), and instructions forgrowing flowers, vegetables, nuts, and fruits. Here are some titles to whet your appetite:The Backyard Berry Book: A Hands-on Guide to Growing Berries, Brambles, & Vine Fruit in the HomeGarden by Stella Otto The Bug Book: Harmless Insect Controls by Helen and John PhilbrickDesigning and Maintaining Your Edible Landscape Naturally by Robert KourikForest Gardening: Cultivating an Edible Landscape by Robert HartThe Gardener's Guide to Common-Sense Pest Control by William OlkowskiGreenhouses for Homeowners and Gardeners by John W. Bartok, Jr. Growing Great Garlic: The Definitive Guide for Organic Gardeners and Small Farmers by Ron L. EngelandHow to Make a Forest Garden by Patrick WhitefieldInsect Pests of the Farm, Garden, and Orchard by Ralph H. DavidsonLiving Fences: A Gardener's Guide to Hedges, Vines, & Espaliers by Ogden TannerMedicinal Herbs in the Garden, Field, & Marketplace by Lee SturdivantGardening Topic http://www.wmassmastergardeners.org/0509.htm2 of 2 1/24/2008 3:39 PMThe Pruning Book by Gustave L. WittrockSuccessful Organic Gardening: Companion Planting by RodaleLibrary users may also peruse more than 90 magazines, journals, newsletters, and bulletins at the NESFILibrary. Here is a list of some enticing publications and feature articles therein: Common Sense Pest Control Quarterly with articles such as "IPM for Garden Thrips" and "Roses WithoutPesticides."Countryside & Small Stock Journal: The Magazine of Modern Homesteading with articles such as "Feed aFamily from the Garden" and "Cold Frame Construction."Eco Farm & Garden with articles such as "Controlling Pests with Plants" and "Mulching for WaterConservation."Northland Berry News with articles such as "Raspberries Year Round" and "The Strawberry Plant - AQuick Review."Organic Gardening with articles such as "Flowers for Cutting" and "Community Gardening."Permaculture Activist with articles such as "The Elements of Dowsing: The Subtle Energies of FlowingWater" and "Tree Vegetables: Salads That Grow on Trees."Library hours are weekdays 9 am to 5 pm. To schedule an appointment with the librarian, MadeleineCharney, please call (413) 323-4531 or e-mail library@smallfarm.org For other articles, check out our archivesProvided by the Western Massachusetts Master Gardener Associationwww.wmassmastergardeners.org

Hidden Jewel of Information Uncovered

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Hidden Jewel of Information Uncovered

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