We are familiar with Little Free Libraries that have sprung up around the country, which are cute little boxes on posts that house books the public can take home and read. Recently, free seed libraries have sprung up around the country, as well. These are housed inside a library and offer packets of seeds for the public to take home and plant. Some libraries ask that seeds be saved and returned to help restock their supply of seed packets, while others do not. Some garden clubs are sponsoring seed libraries.
To complement their seed libraries, many libraries offer programs that provide the public with gardening information. Garden club members and master gardeners would be wonderful speakers for these programs.
The goal of seed libraries is to encourage people to grow their own plants, build community through gardening programs held at the library, and help people reconnect with nature. Gardening programs held at the library are a great opportunity for people to meet and form friendships with other gardeners.
The Heritage Library in Yuma recently opened a free seed library. As you walk into the library, you are greeted by the seed library, housed in clear plastic containers, right behind the checkout counter. A library card allows 5 seed packets to be checked out twice a month, while a non-library card allows 3 packets. The seed library manager said that people were excited to check out seeds and try their hand at gardening. Monthly programs are offered, providing gardening tips to the public.
Phoenix Public Libraries offer kiosks with a variety of seeds for fruits, vegetables, and perennials. Up to three seed packets can be checked out at a time, every three weeks. ASU has a seed library, housed in an old card catalog on the 3rd floor of the Hayden Library.
These planting guides are useful for presenting gardening programs and for your own gardening.
ASU vegetable planting guide: https://libguides.asu.edu/ld.php?content_id=59194958
ASU herbs/spices planting guide: https://libguides.asu.edu/ld.php?content_id=59194957
Calling All Garden Club Members!
If you have a seed library in your town, please write a blog about it and send the blog and at least 1 photo (give the name of the photographer) to azgardenblog@gmail.com. Your blog will be posted. We love hearing from our members!
By Karen Bowen
AFGC Blog manager
Phoenix Public Seed Library
Karen Bowen seed library – Caitlyn Ratcliff
