Lending seeds at the library

Seed Libraries from Jeanette Hart-Mann on Vimeo.

Seed libraries are sprouting up across the nation to save and share plant seeds. Each season, a few plants are allowed to grow to maturity so the seeds may be harvested to be returned to the library. Many of these libraries have been established in public libraries, often in partnership with local like-minded organizations. These unique programs facilitate gardening activities, boost local biodiversity, foster understanding and knowledge of healthy and sustainable food sources, and support local interest in environmental sustainability efforts. The library benefits through increased visits by current and new library visitors, community collaborations, and through the opportunity to meet developing information needs.

The Richmond Public Library began a seed library in 2010 and has inspired other libraries to start their own seed lending programs. They freely share resources and tips for starting a seed lending program at The Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library and created about and how to borrow seeds videos. A Seed Saving for Libraries webinar with Seed Savers Exchange and the South Sioux City Public Library was recorded in February 2013. The link to the webinar provides other resources, including these slides.

 

The following is a list of seed libraries specifically located and/or created in partnership with a library (includes two museums):

  1. Alameda Free Library [PDF], Alameda, CA
  2. Barlow Memorial Library,[PDF] Iowa Falls, IA
  3. Basalt Public Library, Basalt, CO
  4. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (Lawrenceville branch), Pittsburgh PA
  5. Colonial Heights Public Library, Sacramento, CA
  6. Concord Free Public Library (Fowler Branch), Concord, MA
  7. Du Quoin Public Library, Du Quoin, IL
  8. East Bonner County Library, Sandpoint, ID
  9. East Palo Alto Library, East Palo Alto CA
  10. El Cajon Library, San Diego, CA
  11. Ely Public Library, Ely, IA
  12. Fairfield Woods Branch Library, Fairfield CT
  13. Hall Middle School Library [video], Larkspur CA
  14. Hayward Public Library, Hayward, CA
  15. Hull-House Museum, Chicago, IL
  16. Jenkintown Library, Jenkintown PA
  17. John Trigg Ester Library, Ester AK
  18. La Crosse Public Library, La Crosse, WI
  19. Live Oak Public Library, Santa Cruz, CA
  20. Mancos Public Library, Mancos, CO
  21. Manitou Springs Public Library, Manitou Spring, CO
  22. Mariposa County Library, Mariposa, CA
  23. Montpelier High School Library [site], Montpelier, VT
  24. Museum of Art and History, Santa Cruz, CA
  25. Oakland Public Library (Cesar Chavez Branch), Oakland, CA
  26. Omaha Public Library (Benson Branch), Omaha, NE
  27. Pima County Public Library, Tucson, AZ
  28. Placerville Library [Facebook], Placerville, CA
  29. Potrero Hill Public Library, San Francisco, CA
  30. Richmond Public Library, Richmond, CA
  31. Rutland Free Library, Rutland, VT
  32. Saratoga Library, Saratoga, CA
  33. South Sioux City Public Library, South Sioux City, NE
  34. Westcliffe Public Library, Westcliffe CO

Curious? Connect and share ideas and resources with other seed saver enthusiasts on The Seed Library Social Network.

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