Seed Library

closed for the year

We are thankful for donations of any non-hybrid seeds, but the supply we have received back is insufficient to open the library this year. If you do wish to donate, please label clearly what type and variety of seed you have donated and the date harvested and your name and contact information in case we have questions. Drop them off at the circulation desk at the library. This seed library is not possible without the contributions of gardeners who are willing to share. Thank you!

A seed library is a collection of herb, flower, fruit and vegetable seeds that are available for “check-out.” Patrons are welcome to “borrow” free seeds at the library, plant them, and then harvest the new seeds to return to the library at the end of the growing season. Rochester Public Library District started a Seed Library in 2017. Seeds are kept in the old card catalog near the front door of the library.

All seeds are labeled with type of seed, sunlight requirement, germination time and ease of seed saving. Those who borrow seed are asked to return some at the end of the season, so as to build variety in the collection. Seeds do not necessarily need to be of the same type and variety, but we do ask that they be non-gmo, non-hybrid.

Patrons can take seeds to the circulation desk to be checked out. There is a limit on the number of packets based on what is available in the Seed Library.

Share your love of gardening with young gardeners by reading them a book or finding an activity to do together. Here are some suggestions from our library.

Questions? Wish to volunteer? Please fill out the contact form below.

CONNECT. DISCOVER. CREATE.