Ōtepoti gardening friends, if you have surplus seeds you might like to donate them to the public library’s seed library!

They’re asking for donations so they can reopen the seed library in spring. I’ll be taking my surplus in next time I’m in town

Falls ihr euch nicht traut eure Wünsche für unsere geplante #Saatgutbibliothek online mitzuteilen haben wir auch eine analoge Option in unserer #bibliothek in #spandau.

Wir freuen uns auf euer Input.

--
If you don't want to share your wishes for our planned #seedlibrary online, we also have an analog option in our #library in #spandau.

We look forward to your input.

Oooh, good to discover another local library has a seed library.

The Belleville Area District Library seed library enters its second year.

https://bellevilleareaindependent.com/belleville-area-district-library-seed-library-entering-its-second-year/

cc @MCDuncanLab @zardozWrex

"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

#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

#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."

Source:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/seeking-seed-donations-the-altadena-seed-library-looks-ahead-to-regrowth/ar-BB1rscpJ

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

#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

HT @urbanmicrofarmer

"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

Another early #SolarPunkSunday post -- because this is tomorrow (Saturday, March 8th)!

#Connecticut: Celebrate #WestHartford's '#SeedLibrary' At Saturday Celebration

Story by Michael Lemanski, March 7, 2025

WEST HARTFORD, CT — "If folks are looking for a sure sign of spring, they needn't look further than the #WestHartfordPublicLibrary's #NoahWebsterBranch this Saturday, March 8.

"The Noah Webster Library, located at 20 S. Main St., West Hartford, is home to the 'Seed Library,' where gardeners can drop off and pick up new, unused seeds for free.

"On Saturday, the library is hosting a special kickoff event to mark the start of the season for the popular Seed Library, which is a collaboration between the West Hartford Public Library and the West Hartford Garden Club.

"The goal is to expand community access to seeds and support gardeners of all skill levels.

"Saturday, guests will be able to select free seeds for their garden, consult with master gardeners, and enter a raffle for a chance to win gardening supplies.

"Quantities of seeds are limited to three packets per person."

FMI:
https://westhartford.librarymarket.com/event/seed-library-kickoff-nwl-83076?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0IKmcInlEcBvB1NkxP_uFpSXJAPkrz_q8ixDSqbBaSlD0FmwctncvX8BA_aem_FL0u7QD3Gs5LKNfXZpN7jw

Source:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/home-and-garden/celebrate-west-hartfords-seed-library-at-saturday-celebration/ar-AA1AsDQh
#Gardening #SeedSharing #SeedLibrary #WestHartfordConnecticut #Gardening #SeedExchange #BuildingCommunity #GrowYourOwn #FoodSecurity #Vegetables #Flowers

It’s a good time to once again promote the 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.

Heirloom Plants, the Global Seed Vault, and your local Seed Library - a blog post from my local library:

https://www.librarypoint.org/blogs/post/heirloom-plants/