Oooh, good to discover another local library has a seed library.
The Belleville Area District Library seed library enters its second year.
"Diversity is a core component of resilience, so we need rapid, ongoing and diverse adaptation of our regional food systems – everywhere, all the time. If we’ve been preserving all these seeds for some imagined future need, then the need is now. Arguably, it’s already too late"
#Biodiversity #SeedLibrary #HeritageSeeds #Agriculture #ClimateEmergency
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/02/seeds-biodiversity-hurricane-helene
#Tennessee: #NashvillePublicLibrary #SeedExchange
"The Seed Exchange offers access to local librarians who will support, coach, and cheer you on as you grow your own home, school, church, or community garden. The best part about our Seed Exchange: it’s free! All you need is a library card."
Borrow Seeds
"Use your library card to borrow vegetable, herb, and flower seeds at Main Library and select branches. Find a Seed Exchange location near you. Borrowing seeds is free. All you need is a Nashville Public Library card."
Grow Plants
"NPL’s Seed Exchange offers access to local librarians who will support, coach and cheer you on as you grow your own home, school, church or community garden. We’re also working with local farmers, gardeners and community agencies to offer free gardening workshops throughout the year."
Return Seeds
"Once the season is over, harvest seeds from your garden and return them to the library. We ask that you follow certain protocol when harvesting seeds to share with the Seed Exchange. We want people who take seed to get what was on the label and we want to protect from passing on disease.
"Additionally, we are always looking for #OpenPollinated, #HeirloomSeeds from anyone in the community who is willing to share, a little or a lot.
"Our Seed Protocol [linked below] includes guidelines for properly saving and preparing seeds to share."
https://library.nashville.org/events/seed-exchange
Seed protocol:
https://library.nashville.org/about/policies/seed-protocol
#SolarPunkSunday #LibrariesRule #SeedLibrary #SeedSharing #BuildingCommunity #Gardening
@MCDuncanLab @zardozWrex Over the past week, I visited three nearby seed libraries at public libraries in Westland, Plymouth, and Ypsilanti.
All are very good, with well-organized flower and vegetable seeds available to the public.
My favorite was the Westland Public Library seed library.
Their collection is the largest in number of seed packets, with the most seed varieties. And they have a separate native plant seed library.
#MonroeCountyMI - Got a library card? You can check-out a free #GardenPlot in Monroe
by Susan Nolan Wisler, March 23, 2025
MONROE COUNTY — "Now that it's spring, it’s time to reserve your community garden plot. Monroe County has several options, including some plots that can be checked-out free with a library card.
Monroe County Library System
"'The #BedfordBranchLibrary and the #BlueBushBranchLibrary both have garden plots that patrons can utilize. It is very similar to borrowing a book, but you 'check-out' a garden plot for the whole growing season. You can find them in our online catalog,' said Barbra Krueger, who works in community outreach for the Monroe County Library System.
"The Bedford Branch, 8575 Jackman Road in #TemperanceMI, has 10 garden beds; four are still available. The Blue Bush Branch, 2210 Blue Bush Road in #MonroeMI, has four beds that are all still available.
[...]
"Today, Blue Bush offers gardeners use of #rainwater collection barrels, a #CompostBin and a #GardenShed, which was purchased by the Friends of the Frenchtown Area Library. Inside the shed are gloves, rakes, hoes and trowels. Blue Bush also has a #SeedLibrary."
Learn more:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/local/2025/03/23/community-garden-plots-raised-beds-monroe-county-library-system-munson-park-st-mary-organic-garden/82563173007/
#Michigan #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #CommunityGardens #FoodSecurity #LibrariesRule !
#BurlingtonVT #PublicLibrary restarts #PlantExchange program
by EMMA FLETCHER-FRAZER, Mar 13, 2025
BURLINGTON — "The Burlington Public Library brought back this week its popular plant exchange program.
The Plant/#SeedSwap program uses a shelf within the library that holds a variety of #seeds, starts and #propagations."
Source:
https://www.goskagit.com/news/local_news/burlington-public-library-restarts-plant-exchange-program/article_33dedc12-ff9a-11ef-a11a-9b4ec2643a9f.html
#LibrariesRule #SeedLibrary #PlantSwap #Vermont #SolarPunkSunday
#MattapoisettMA Library #SeedExchange
March 10, 2025
"The #MattapoisettLibrary is excited to announce the return of our well-loved #SeedLibrary Program! As the days get longer and the snow melts away, it’s the perfect time for local gardeners and nature enthusiasts to prepare for spring planting. Whether you’re starting a brand-new garden or looking to expand your collection, our Seed Library is restocked and ready for you.
"This season, we’re offering a hearty selection of staples such as herbs, beets, tomatoes, kale, peas, and corn. We also have flowers to enhance any landscape! Supplies are limited. Please take only what you need so we have plenty for everyone.
"Seeds do not need to be returned. However, we encourage patrons to bring in any seeds they’ve collected or no longer need when they come by to check out new ones. And while you’re here, visit our #LibraryOfThings for all the tools and kits you need to dig in and grow your garden, including Soil Testing Kits, Soil Block Kits, Tillers, and more!
"The Seed Library is free and open to everyone, regardless of gardening experience. Patrons only need an active SAILS library card to participate!
"Don’t have a library card yet? No worries! Just bring your ID, and you can sign up for one when you visit to browse our seed selection. Library cards are free and provide access to resources offered at the MFPL and surrounding SAILS libraries.
"Come by 7 Barstow Street in Mattapoisett and borrow what you need to start your garden today! For more information, visit the library, email mfpl@sailsinc.org, or call us at 508-758-4171."
Source:
https://www.wanderer.com/happenings/mattapoisett-library-seed-exchange/
#SeedySunday #SeedLibrary #LibrariesRule #Massachusetts #SolarPunkSunday
#ElkRapidsMI #library starts seed library, offers #FreeSeeds for #CommunityGardening
by Marc Schollett, March 16th 2025
ANTRIM COUNTY, Mich,. (WPBN/WGTU) - - "With temperatures rising across northern #Michigan, folks with green thumbs are gardens are already thinking of what they'll plant this spring, but a northern Michigan library maybe one step ahead of them and lending a helping hand at the same time.
"'Libraries are a place where people come together for community,' said Emily Spielbauer, Elk Rapids District Library.
"The Elk Rapids District Library isn't huge, but what it offers the community it serves is gigantic.
"'I mean, it feels great to know that you're serving the community or feeling a need,' said Spielbauer.
"Inside, a ton of books, but it's what just appeared in their lobby this week that may have folks stopping to take a second look.
"Ultimately right now we're really excited about the opening of our seed library in which people can come and get seeds," said Spielbauer.
"It is a library inside a library.
"So we've got a lot of produce, a lot of different types of things that you can eat. We have a small section of flowers, but the idea is that we're offering a source of food for the community," said Spielbauer.
"Right in the corner, is the library's seed library, hundreds of packets, of dozens of different things you can grow in your garden.
"'So the seeds are a self-service station. People do not have to give their name or anything. They can just come in and take what they will use,' said Spielbauer.
"The seeds are free, but there is a tremendous perk for getting them here that you just don't get buying them at the store.
"'You get these green thumbs together and they start talking about their favorite things to grow. And like I said, sharing tips and tricks together,' said Spielbauer.
"The seed library offers all the things you might expect to grow here in Northern Michigan...and a few that have sparked some curiosity.
"'One thing that I've not seen go and I'm really interested if someone would report back is the okra. Like I don't know how to grow it and we've got a lot of okra seeds,' said Spielbauer.
"A lot of seeds, thanks to a lot of donations."
Read more:
https://upnorthlive.com/news/local/elk-rapids-library-starts-seed-library-offers-free-seeds-for-community-gardening
#SolarPunkSunday #LibrariesRule #SeedLibrary #SeedSharing #BuildingCommunity
#California: #MariposaCounty #Library Offers New #SeedLibrary at the #RedCloudBranch in #GreeleyHill, Also Available in #Mariposa
Monday, 03 March 2025 06:39
March 3, 2025 – "Mariposa County Library officials announce that they now have a Seed Library at the Red Cloud Branch in Greeley Hill. We have vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
"The way this works is you can stop by, take a few seeds, put them in baggies, write down instructions for planting them, and be on your way. We also invite users to leave their own seed donations.
"This project was in partnership with the Master Gardeners, who we are very grateful to! We also have a Seed Library at the Mariposa Branch that they assist with maintaining, on a regular basis."
Source:
https://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/local-news/65134-mariposa-county-library-offers-new-seed-library-at-the-red-cloud-branch-in-greeley-hill-also-available-in-mariposa
#SeedLibrary #MariposaCA #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #LibrariesRule! #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #Gardening
#NorthDakota: #JamesRiverValley #SeedLibrary Opening March 20
By: Steve Urness March 7, 2025
JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – "The 2025 Seed Library is opening March 20 at #StutsmanCountyLibrary!
"#NDSU Extension Agent Ashley Kjellberg will be presenting a talk entitled, 'Timeline for Planting a Successful Garden.The seed library will also be open for you to choose from a variety of seeds from vegetables to flowers. Attendees will receive a free 3D printed garden marker (while supplies last).
"The Seed Library opens March 20th at 6:30 PM in the Stutsman County Library in Jamestown, North Dakota."
Source:
https://www.newsdakota.com/2025/03/07/james-river-valley-seed-library-opening-march-20/
#SeedLibrary #SeedSharing #JamestownND #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #SeedSharing #Gardening
Free #SeedLibraries in #Minnesota
Story by Thrifty Minnesota, March 6, 2025
"Free seed libraries are a great way to get seeds to start your garden and learn more about gardening in the process. Here is our list of free seed libraries throughout Minnesota!:"
Learn more:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/parks/free-seed-libraries-in-minnesota/ar-AA1An9Dv
#SeedLibrary #SeedSharing #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #SeedSharing #Gardening #FoodSecurity
#California: ‘Seeking seed donations': The #Altadena #SeedLibrary looks ahead to #regrowth
Story by Alysia Gray Painter, January 13, 2025
"Following the Jan. 7 fire that swept through the city, growers and gardening groups are beginning to think about what is next, groups that include the Altadena Seed Library.
"This community is enormously dedicated to native plants, but also had many farmers and growers who lost generations of crops at community gardens and in backyards.
"#Wildlife coming down from the foothills has lost habitat and food. the air quality will be poor and temperatures will be higher without the lush greenery that protected us. not to mention the vast natural spaces that have burned and may benefit from help #reseeding.
"If you have seeds to spare — particularly native plants — please send a message. please share widely.
"Monetary donations are also requested, if you are able to donate.
"Seeds may be sent to 37 Auburn Ave. #8, Sierra Madre, CA 91024 c/o Altadena Seed Library."
Altadena Seed Library IG:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEtvdpixEw2/
#AltadenaFires #CaliforniaFires #Reseeding #SolarPunkSunday #NativePlants #NativeSeeds #SeedLibrary #SeedSharing #Gardening
#Iowa: New #SeedLibrary offers #Native Plants for community gardeners to enjoy
by PEGGY SENZARINO Feb 16, 2025
SIOUX CITY – "It might not be gardening weather yet but a new free seed library in Sioux City will have area gardeners planning and dreaming up summer flower gardens even with snow on the ground and temperatures below freezing.
"Located on the lower level of the #DorothyPecautNatureCenter, the Loess Hills Wild Ones Seed Share Library is a tool for people with a green thumb to utilize.
"'This is a native seed library and members of Loess Hills Wild Ones collected seeds in the fall and we are sharing them with anyone in the community that would like some,' said Marcie Ponder, Loess Hills Wild Ones treasurer.
"The cabinet is housed at the base of the stairs leading to the lower level of the nature center. A binder is full of information about the available seeds including descriptions and photographs."
Read more:
https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/article_afa248de-ebcc-11ef-80ad-6f14c6510777.html
Archived version:
https://archive.ph/Pozre
#SeedLibrary #SeedSharing #SiouxCityIowa #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #SeedSharing #Gardening #NativePlants #NativeSeeds
#Louisiana: #WestFelicianaParish #Library launches a new #SeedLibrary
Feb 18, 2025
"Just in time for spring planting, the West Feliciana Parish Library announces the launch of its Seed Library — a community-driven initiative designed to make gardening accessible to everyone.
"The Seed Library allows patrons to 'borrow' seeds to grow their own food, flowers and herbs. Interested gardeners can take home seeds, plant them, enjoy the harvest, and, if possible, return seeds at the end of the season to keep the cycle going.
"This project was made possible through an #LSU #AgCenter #HealthyCommunitiesGrant and is maintained in partnership with the LSU AgCenter's West Feliciana Parish Extension Office.
"'Our goal is to empower our community with the ability to grow fresh, healthy food while promoting #biodiversity and #SelfReliance,' said Molly Porter, librarian. 'By participating, you're not just growing plants — you’re growing a stronger, more resilient community.'
How to get seeds from the library:
- Sign up: Fill out a Seed Library Patron Form and bring it to the circulation desk.
- Pick your seeds: Choose from a variety of seeds that thrive in the local climate. Three per week limit.
- Log your choices: Record the seeds you take in the binder to help track demand and replenish stock.
- Plant and enjoy: Take the seeds home, plant and watch them grow.
- Return seeds, if you can: If you save seeds from your harvest, bring some back to the library to share with others.
"Throughout the growing season, the library will offer workshops on gardening basics, seed saving and more."
For details, visit www.wfplibrary.org/seeds or stop by the library to get started or contact (225) 245-3752, or mporter@wfplibrary.org
https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/st_francisville/west-feliciana-parish-library-launches-a-new-seed-library/article_d9f400fe-e8cb-11ef-8946-4b3a48ecf5de.html
#SeedLibrary #SeedSharing #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #LibrariesRule! #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #Gardening #FoodSecurity
#Texas: #GreenThumbs, #BookWorms team to create free seed library at #LongviewPublicLibrary
by Jordan Green Mar 6, 2025
"Something seedy is happening at the #Longview #PublicLibrary.
"The Gregg County Master Gardeners Association has partnered with library to create the #SproutAndShare #SeedLibrary, which will allow novice and experienced gardeners alike to pick up free seeds to plant in their own gardens.
The library and gardening association will host a grand opening and educational event at 10:30 a.m. Saturday [yesterday].
"A member of the association sprouted the idea for the seed library, according to Shaniqua Davis, agent for the Texas AgriLife Extension Office in Gregg County. The seed library will be open to the public during the library’s operating hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
"Leah Shreves, technical services supervisor for the Longview Public Library, said the seed library will help people learn to produce their own food, whether they live in a home or in an apartment.
"'It’s a way to kind of try and help provide fresh and healthy foods that people can grow on their own to decrease their grocery bill and could also be a relaxing and rewarding hobby,' Shreves said.
"'We’re wanting to give back to the community and give them options and learn that they can grow their own food.'
"The library will have 16 varieties of plant seeds to start with, ranging from green beans and snap peas to watermelon and flower seeds. More than 800 seed packets will be stocked in the library when it opens. Patrons can pick up seven packets per visit. Each packet will have a QR code on it that people can scan, directing them to more information about the plant.
"Master gardeners association members plan to offer at least one educational class per quarter that will be free to the public, Shreves said. During Saturday’s grand opening, gardeners will discuss some of the basics of gardening.
"The library is at 222 W. Cotton St. For more information, call (903) 237-1350."
Archived version:
https://archive.ph/91Eav#selection-3227.0-3236.8
#SolarPunkSunday #SeedBanks #SeedLibrary #LongviewTexas #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #LibrariesRule! #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #Gardening #CommunityAgriculture #SeedSharing #FoodSecurity
#Maine - Making the most of March with #ThompsonFreeLibrary
By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library, February 24, 2025
"March arrives with a built-in tension. The upbeat concept we hold in our minds versus an uncertain reality. Our hope is tinged with a steely resolve to muddle through. 'Winter is holding back and spring is pulling forward. Something holds and something pulls inside of us too,' wrote garden author Jean Hersey. Whether you’re ready to research a spring project or desperately need some escapist fare, the Thompson Free Library in #DoverFoxcroft is here to help you make it through — and even enjoy — this unpredictable month.
"Nothing heralds the coming of spring like our #SeedLibrary! We offer donated seeds from our community and various other donors. If you have extra seeds from previous years that you don’t need, please bring them in to share with your neighbors. If you’re interested in trying a new type of plant or flower in your garden this year, stop in and check out what we have to offer. Over the years we’ve had donations from Burpee, Fedco, Ripley Farms, Helios Horsepower Farms, Bob’s Hardware, and many, many patrons."
Source:
https://observer-me.com/2025/02/24/news/making-the-most-of-march-with-thompson-free-library/
Library website:
https://www.thompsonfreelibrary.org/
#SolarPunkSunday #SeedBanks #SeedLibrary #DoverFoxcroftMaine #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #LibrariesRule! #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #Gardening #CommunityAgriculture #SeedSharing #HeirloomSeeds #MaineLibraries
#Missouri: St. Joseph Public Libraries open Seed Library
By Leah Rainwater News-Press NOW Mar 6, 2025
"With spring on the horizon, the St. Joseph Public Library has opened its Seed Library.
"Seeds are available at the Downtown and East Hills libraries.
"A variety of seeds are offered, including vegetables, herbs and flowers. Beans, corn, cucumber, lettuce, melon, peas, pepper, radish, squash and tomato are among the things that can be grown.
"Anyone interested can select up to 10 seed packets (no more than two of a kind) during the library’s regular hours.
"The libraries are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
"Early May Garden Center and Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company donated seeds for the program.
"Gardeners who have saved seeds to share or have extras from this year’s planting are encouraged to donate them to the Seed Library to help increase the inventory.
"For more information about the Seed Library, call 816-232-7729 or log on to sjpl.lib.mo.us for more information about other library services and programs."
Source:
https://www.newspressnow.com/news/local_news/library/st-joseph-public-libraries-open-seed-library/article_2a603fea-f974-11ef-b16e-1f3a35c4f7ba.html
#SeedLibrary #StJosephMO #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #LibrariesRule! #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #Gardening
"It’s a good time to once again promote the [#Global] Seed Library Map.
https://www.seedlibrarynetwork.org/explore-the-map.html
"On the same site, you can also find information on starting your own seed library, organizing a seed swap, etc."
Original post:
https://kolektiva.social/@urbanmicrofarmer@zirk.us/113999764238880911
#SeedLibrary #SeedLibraries #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #Gardening #FoodSecurity #SeedSwaps
#NorthCarolina: #DareCounty’s free #SeedLibraries are ready for #SpringPlanting
March 6, 2025
"According to the Dare County Extension Master Gardeners, it’s time to start propagating seeds, and if you’re in search of some special seeds to get you started this season, the Dare County Library has you covered with its free Seed Libraries program.
"Thanks to generous donations made by Burpee Seeds, Sow True Seed, Seed Savers Exchange and Lowe’s Home Improvement, the Dare County Library’s Seed Libraries are fully stocked and ready for 2025 spring planting.
"The Seed Libraries are free to the public, and are available at all three Dare County Library locations, including #HatterasVillage.
"Launched in 2022 as a means to share seeds in communities with #FoodSecurity issues, the Dare County Library’s Seed Library program provides a variety of vegetable, herb, flower and plant seeds that can be 'checked out' from all three Dare County Library branches with the intention of growing them locally.
"Growing instruction cards are available to assist with every type of seed, and a live inventory can be found in the online Seed Library guide.
"After the plant has matured, growers are encouraged to harvest and donate some of their seeds back, thus making the Seed Library truly local and sustainable.
"The long-term goal of the Seed Library is to give locals access to plant varieties that grow and thrive on the #OuterBanks while also providing the knowledge needed to maintain kitchen gardens and reduce household overhead.
"A mix of commercially and locally harvested seeds are available year-round, with types and quantities varying based on supply. A variety of new seeds will also be introduced this year, including celery seed, cowpeas and mustard seeds, among others.
"In addition, the Seed Libraries currently have new varieties of several old favorites, such as three new types of basil, as well as carrots and an array of different lettuces to make the perfect salad—plus so much more.
"For additional information about the Seed Library program, please stop by your local branch or visit https://earlibrary.libguides.com/DareCountyLibrarySeedLibrary
Source:
https://islandfreepress.org/hatteras-island-features/dare-countys-free-seed-libraries-are-ready-for-spring-planting/
#SeedLibrary #SeedSharing #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #LibrariesRule! #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #Gardening #FoodSecurity
My old haunt! #Massachusetts: #Newburyport #PublicLibrary starting #SeedLibrary
Updated Feb 16, 2025
NEWBURYPORT — "Starting on March 17, the Newburyport Public Library will have a new seed library on the second floor of the library next to the computer area. Browse the library’s collection of seeds including flowers, vegetables, herbs, and many more. All visitors are eligible to take out up to 10 packages of seeds per week and no library card is required. For full details on how to use the seed library, please check the seed library binder that will be located on top of the drawers. Have some extra seeds you would like to share? The seed library will be accepting seed donations starting on March 10. Ask staff for details. Contact the library for more details or any questions you may have. The library is located at 94 State St., Newburyport. Visit newburyportpl.org for more information."
Original article:
https://www.newburyportnews.com/news/local_news/newburyport-public-library-starting-seed-library/article_23661f62-eaf0-11ef-9b18-932b1b52efdc.html
Archived version:
https://archive.ph/zqO5g
#SeedLibrary #NewburyportMA #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #LibrariesRule! #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #Gardening
