We are accepting seed donations
- As you harvest your plants, save some of the seeds to bring back to the library. You can check out our Seed Saving Resources for more information on how this works.
- Return the seeds in separate bags or envelopes by their variety to the circulation desk. Seeds must be dry and free of most residue.
- Fill out a seed donation sheet with information about each variety of seeds.
(Please note that we will not accept cross-pollinated seeds and will only accept hybrid seeds if commercially packaged!)
New! Self-Checkout System
- Visit Murray Library and go to the left of the circulation desk to find the Seed Library (feel free to ask our friendly circulation desk workers if you need assistance).
- Browse our library of seed packets and choose your favorites.
- Fill out the Check-Out form with your basic contact information and the number of seed packets you have taken. The recommended maximum is 10 packets per visit.
- Plant your seeds and watch them grow!
Do I need a library card?
- No, you do not need a library card to participate.
Is there a cost to participate?
- No, there are no costs required to participate.
How many seeds am I allowed to take at one time?
- Patrons are allowed to "check out" up to two packets of up to five varieties (10 packets maximum) at one time.
How many seeds come in a packet?
- Most seed packets contain 5-6 seeds. Packets of very small seeds contain a pinch of seeds which is typically more than the standard 5-6 seeds.
What seeds are available?
- Check our Seed Directory to see what is available or check our catalog at the Circulation Desk.
Are there any requirements for returning/donating seeds?
- We ask that no cross-pollinated seeds be given to us and we will only accept hybrid seeds from commercial seed packages.
Is returning seeds mandatory?
- Returning seeds is not mandatory but it is highly encouraged. The continued returning/donation of seeds allows our library to be self-sustaining so we can continue providing seeds for others.
Do you accept monetary donations?
- No, we are not accepting monetary donations. If you feel led to donate to the Seed Library, please consider donating commercial seed packages.
Open-Pollinated - plants pollinated by insects, birds, wind, or other natural means.
Heirloom Seeds - seeds that have been grown and passed down over many generations. Heirlooms are open-pollinated and retain original traits from one generation to the next.
Hybrid Seeds - the result of two plants with specific characteristics being deliberately crossed to produce a new third variety. If you save seed from a hybrid, and grow it out, you will get one of the parents, not the plant that produced the seed.
GMO seeds (Genetically modified organism) - bred not in a garden but in a laboratory using modern biotechnology techniques like gene splicing. Scientists modify a seed's DNA to ensure the resulting plant produces desired characteristics.
Chemical Free - plants grown without herbicides or pesticides.
Cross-Pollination - when one plant pollinates a plant of another variety. The two plants' genetic material combines and the resulting seeds from that pollination will have characteristics of both varieties and is a new variety.