Welcome to Our Seed Library!
What is a seed library?
In the simplest of terms, a seed library works just like a normal library, only you “borrow” seeds instead of books! These seeds have been donated by organizations and seed saving programs and are, in most cases, organic and/or GMO-free seeds. We as that a portion of your seeds from your best, tastiest plants be returned to the seed library in order to keep the library self-sustaining, meaning free seeds forever! The more seeds we have in our library, the greater number of people in our community we can serve.
How to “Borrow” Seeds
We ask only that you let us know that you’re borrowing seeds by putting the number of packets down on our checkout sheet. We don’t need your name, just how many packets. Please only take as many seeds as you will use.
Why Save Seeds?
People have been saving seeds for thousands of years. When you grow, save, and share your own seeds, you promote seed sovereignty by:
- Increasing the genetic diversity of your own seed stock
- Develop seed stock that is more resilient and better adapted to our climate and soil
- Become knowledgeable in the culture of saving seeds
- Provide seeds to others in your community
Contributing to the Seed Library Collection
While we would love to keep our seed library sustainable, PA law prevents us from collecting seeds that you’ve saved to be used in our seed library. We are more than happy to provide a meeting space and time for you to connect with other “seed savers” in our area for a seed swap.
If you would like to contribute to our seed library, a donation of unopened seed packets, or a monetary donation would always be appreciated.
2024 Seeds
Seeds packets have started arriving for the 2024 growing season. This year we have received seed donations from the following organizations:
Sow Right Seeds
High Mowing Organic Seeds
Fedco Seeds
Redwood Seeds
Each of these companies have donated free or low cost seeds in support of our library and community.
Web Resources:
Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers Exchange is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of heirloom seeds. They offer a shop with vegetable, herb, and flower seeds, seed saving tools, garden tools, apparel, books, kitchen gifts and more. They share information on topics such as garden planning, seed starting, plant care, pollinators, and seed saving. They also sponsor a seed exchange that users can sign up for and search or browse by category.
Organic Seed Alliance
Organic Seed Alliance is a nonprofit that advances ethical seed solutions to meet food and farming needs in a changing world. Their website offers information on the research and education programs run by their organization; publications, including manuals on how to conduct plant breeding, seed production, and variety trials, record keeping materials, proceedings from their Organic Seed Growers Conference, policy reports, and webinars; and other resources such as a directory of organic seed producers, a seed patent watch, and an online course on organic seed production.
Sustainable Seed Company
A family-owned seed company with over 875 varieties of organic and heirloom seeds. They offer vegetable, herb, flower, and cover crops (alfalfa, barley, rye, wheat, etc.), as well as some specialty seeds, grow kits, and seed collections. They also have a newsletter with gardening tips, growing advice and planting recommendations. They also have an advice center and a YouTube channel.