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Greg Phelps, a library operations associate, has created a display near the library's main checkout desk to showcase some of the varieties of pumpkins he grows on his family farm in rural Plymouth.
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Unique Pumpkin Varieties on Display at Malpass Library

October 4, 2018

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MACOMB, IL – A Malpass Library employee has turned a personal hobby into a unique learning experience for Western Illinois University students this fall.

Greg Phelps, a library operations associate, has created a display near the library's main checkout desk to showcase some of the varieties of pumpkins he grows on his family farm in rural Plymouth. The display includes extensive information about the origin of the pumpkins and their seeds.

"For several years, I have taken pumpkins to my children's schools, so I got the idea to bring some in here so students could learn about them in the library," said Phelps.

This isn't the first gardening bounty Phelps has brought into the library – he shares other produce, including spicy peppers, with students who use the library.

This year, Phelps has grown between 40-50 pumpkins, including a Galeux d'Eysines (sugar peanut pumpkin), which looks like it is covered with shelled peanuts. He also has an Atlantic Giant, which grows up to hundreds of pounds. The one on display in the library weighs about 60 pounds.

Phelps has been growing pumpkins for about 20 years and also makes his own salsa with what his garden produces.

"It has been great, because students have been stopping by to look at the pumpkins and their descriptions," said Phelps.

For more information about Malpass Library, visit wiu.edu/libraries.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing