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!)
Beginning February 12, 2024!
- Simply tell an employee at the circulation desk that you would like to check out some seeds and you can select up to two seed packets of up to five varieties (maximum 10 packets per visit). You are welcome to browse the library if you do not know what varieties you would like ahead of time.
- Fill out a Check-Out form with your basic contact information and the seeds you have taken. You will be provided with an information sheet to connect you to helpful resources.
- 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.