Initially, the challenge was to get people interested in the library's interpretation of a community garden. However, staff experienced great public interest in both the mechanism and process of growing fresh produce indoors. Attendance at programming for all ages has exceeded expectations as have the unanticipated benefits for the public and the library as a civic partner in food security, healthy nutrition and educational programming.

Key elements of "Homegrown Gwinnett" are ongoing community engagement across a multicultural county, hands on and practical applications and programming that is adaptable to the varied interests of all ages. Because they have an unusual but noticeable physical presence, the Tower Gardens immediately draw attention. Programming around ethnic foods and nutrition engage audiences in healthy foods and encourage healthy eating habits through gardening and educate many young customers on how their food is grown.

In six months of Tower Garden programming 2,183 people attended over 120 programs offered across the system. Branch staff continue to donate fresh produce for senior citizen lunches and local food pantries, participate in county meetings to address food insecurity issues, and provide free public programs on healthy nutrition using the homegrown produce from the Tower Gardens. Lastly, library staff continue to hear the comment, "I didn't know libraries do things like this!