April 15, 2026

Seed Libraries

Our library is one of our favorite places. It’s a really beautiful brick Carnegie Library, with the original fireplace that was only source of heating in our (sometimes) frigid winters. In the early months of having a baby, it was really the only place here that had a baby centered regularly scheduled activity. Even though Jonah sometimes slept through them, those story times were like an anchor in my week as I adjusted to this new little person’s wild (non) schedule.

Our library is also one of the growing number of libraries that hosts a “seed library” every spring. Seed libraries “loan” patrons seeds, with the (loose) expectation that they will grow out the crop, save seeds, and return those new seeds to the seed library for the next growing season. The original seeds are donated by seed companies. Most patrons who “check out” seeds are beginning gardeners so not many seeds are returned, but usually seed companies have extra seeds to donate to keep the library going.

Each year, we donate to seed libraries all over the country. By offering free seed, libraries get seeds into the hands of growers for whom the upfront cost of seeds would be a barrier to gardening. When you support our seed company, you are helping us continue our mission to donate seeds to places like public libraries that help get all people growing.

In 2026 we have donated to the following seed libraries:

Johnson County Public Library

Roaring Springs Community Library

Pataskala Library

Blackstone Memorial Library

Washington County Public Library

Snow Isle Library

Niagra Falls Public Library

Sweet Home Public Library

Yarmouth Libraries

Jefferson Oregon Public Library

Liberty Public Library