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
@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 !
#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
#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
#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
Heirloom Plants, the Global Seed Vault, and your local Seed Library - a blog post from my local library:
@tinker would you have a writeup somewhere on your #seedlibrary . That feels like something that could be done :)
Executive Director of our local libraries is doing a meet and greet with the public tonight.
Figure I'll head down to the library and join in on the conversation.
Now that the #seedLibrary is set up and thriving, I'm really interested in setting up a #toolLibrary.
We have a decent #LibraryOfThings where you can rent GoPros, audio equipment, mobile hotspots, various games, and some tools. But we really can build out our Tool Library more.
Think about it. Unless you're a hobbyist or a tradesperson, you really only need a drill when doing specific repairs or hanging a new picture or when moving, etc. Imagine just being able to go down to the library to grab the tools you need when you need them and then returning them for your neighbor to use.
I'll let y'all know how it goes!
@Sempf @mariekung - I can certainly give some ideas:
Types of seeds:
Open pollinated heirlooms are the best. They grow plants whose seeds can be harvested. One seed creates hundreds of seeds. This is the backbone of a seed library.
You absolutely can share hybrid seeds. Maybe you bought a lot and are only using a little bit and want to share the rest. They need to be properly labeled though. They grow wonderful plants but the plants either dont produce seeds or the seeds will not grow.
Ways to get seeds:
The primary place to get seeds is from the community. A seed library is an apparatus and part of a greater infrastructure for the community to share with each other. The library or org that maintains the seed library should not be responsible for keeping it stocked, just to keep it well organized and available. Because many community members are not used to mutual aid, they may only be used to taking and not contributing, so effort should be made to educate and encourage seed harvesting and seed contributions. Monthly seed harvesting classes, providing books on seed harvesting, and putting up signs encouraging to keep the seed library stocked are all to this effort. Remember, you "check out" seeds for free and you harvest seeds from those resultant plants to "check in" and return to the library.
Some other places to get seeds to stock and "seed" the seed library are: local master gardeners, local academic seed banks, national seed sharing programs, local garden shops can donate their extra seeds at the end of a season (and get a tax write off!), and attending local seed swaps to encourage everyone to donate to the library at the end of the seed swap event.
Big thing is Lack of Awareness: most seed libraries (and libraries in general) suck at marketing. They need to get out into the community and let the town's gardeners know they exist and know its a resource they can and should use. Get out into community gardens as well.
Let me know if you have any questions or want me to dive in further!
@alshra - It already is catching on!
Take a look at these two resources for seed libraries and exchanges:
Seed Library Census & Map: http://seedlibraries.weebly.com/map.html
Community Seed Network: https://www.communityseednetwork.org/map/
@fbarton @accidentalciso - I don't yet beyond what I have here.
There are how-to guides online: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/how-to-start-a-seed-library.htm
Or in book form: https://newsociety.com/books/s/seed-libraries
You're also welcome to call my library directly (or have your library call my library directly) and get their take.
Here is the seed library page: https://www.librarypoint.org/dig-it/
Here is their contact info: https://www.librarypoint.org/ask/
THEY DID IT!!!!
My local library built the seed library!
The local Master Gardeners provided a lot of the intitial seeds (oh my gosh we are stocked!!!). They used an old card catalogue to store them. Today's the kickoff!
The idea is you "check out seeds" from the library, plant/grow/harvest, let some go to seed, then "return the seeds" back to the library!
Free seeds for everyone!
Editing to add my library's Seed Library web site: https://www.librarypoint.org/seed-library/
Seed Library Launch (coinciding with Earth Day) has been posted to the events page of my local library. A couple weeks later will be my Hydroponics for Beginners.
My course will focus on hydroponics growing with a focus on indoor, inexpensive, and passive means. Additional info will be given on mutual aid and community fridges. We'll end with everyone taking home a full grow kit (1-gallon bin, with halo grow lights, nutrients, and grow medium). We'll get our first seeds from the seed library!!!
#solarPunk #hydroponics #indoorGardening #mutualAid #libraryEconomy #seedLibrary
Last week there was a discussion in Leipzig city council about a seed library. A concept is now to be developed with partners!
I'm already looking forward to seeing online in the future where such seed libraries exist.
http://seedlibraries.weebly.com/
I also have a lot of questions: e.g. Does anyone know of a study on the effect of such seed libraries?
The Seed Library Network is currently conducting a global seed library census. Over 2600 in the database so far. If you run a seed library, please register to get your library on the map.
More info about the Public Art Census in this video! I’m part of the “street team” now doing this in Bernalillo County, New Mexico.
#PublicArtCensus #PublicArt #LittleFreeLibrary #SeedLibrary #CommunityArt
