The Shrewsbury Public Library has started a “seed library” (below). Patrons can choose from more than 70 varieties offered by Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, and try growing the seeds at home. Participants can also share seeds from their own harvests. Any questions can be directed to Walker Evans at the reference desk at 508-841-8533. The library is at 214 Lake St.
Noodles & Company opened a new franchise in Franklin last week at 648 Old West Central St. The 2,500-square-foot pasta and noodle dish restaurant is the national chain’s fourth in Massachusetts, including one in Shrewsbury. It offers indoor seating for 70, and an additional 12 seats on an outdoor patio. Menu items include Wisconsin mac & cheese, Japanese pan noodles, and pesto cavatappi. For more information, visit www.noodles.com.
Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a multipurpose performance space. The two-story “Studio 5” will also be home to a scene shop and dance studio. Its construction is part of phase one of the Highland Street school’s campus master plan, which also includes creating a parking lot off Bacon Street and moving its facilities building there. For more information, visit www.walnuthillarts.org.
The not-for-profit Bedford Research Foundation recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new stem cell research facility at 124 South Road. Demonstrations conducted during the event included the microinjection of mouse eggs, which is part of a project to develop stem cells resistant to the HIV virus. For more information, visit www.bedfordresearch.org.
Compiled by Christopher Gavin. He can be reached at christopher.gavin@ globe.com