Many people tend gardens, from small beds of flowers to full-scale produce gardens rife with vegetables and herbs. But when managing a garden, there are several factors to consider: How do you arrange the seeds for maximum yield? Which insects are helpful in a garden, and which will wreak havoc?

To shed some light on common garden-dwelling critters, the Quarryville Library, 357 Buck Road, Quarryville, will host "Insects - Friend or Foe?" on Thursday, July 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. The informational event will feature a presentation from Lisa Sanchez, a naturalist from the Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation. Sanchez will explain how to distinguish the types of insects that can be found in a garden and different methods for removing unwanted bugs without the use of pesticides. The program will be geared toward adults and interested youngsters. Although walk-ins will be accepted, the Quarryville Library asks that attendees register ahead of time at https://tinyurl.com/libraryinsectevent.

"If you know what the Colorado potato beetle looks like, you can remove it before it lays eggs and you end up with a hundred eating your plants," Sanchez said. "Same with any other bugs - if you can identify the adult and get rid of it, it might save your garden."

Sharon Roche, Quarryville Library's program manager, wanted to offer the event not only because of patrons with their own home gardens, but also due to the library's own community garden. The garden is maintained by former library employee Janice Hohenwarter, who continued to manage it after she entered retirement. Members of the public are allowed to take whatever produce they need from the garden. "A large part of the draw is our community garden, which we don't use any pesticides in," Roche said. "Anyone is welcome to take what they need, whether it's produce or flowers."

In addition to offering free produce to the community, the Quarryville Library also utilizes the garden for many of its programs. The library recently began to offer children's garden tours, where kids can pick fruits and vegetables while they learn about what is growing there.

Hohenwarter is always accepting volunteers to help with the garden's maintenance. She often receives help from teenagers who volunteer to acquire service hours, and assisting with the garden provides an opportunity for them to learn more about horticulture. To become a volunteer, contact the library at library@quarryvillelibrary.org.

On Thursday, Aug. 17, the Quarryville Library will host another event in collaboration with the Parks and Recreation Department. The event will offer insight on picking produce and preserving fresh food. In September, Master Gardeners from Penn State University will hold a flower arranging program at the library.

For more information, visit https://quarryvillelibrary.org.