They're libraries filled with seeds!

Folks from the community contribute seeds of plants they’ve grown ecologically

You sign out a packet of seeds, just like a library book

You plant the seeds in your garden, enjoy the harvest, and save some seeds to bring back to the library

That’s it!

Basically, seed libraries are a new take on an old tradition. Our ancestors had informal libraries within their communities back when everyone grew their own food and everyone saved seeds. Seeds saved from favorite plants (“heirlooms”) were passed down to children and swapped among neighbors.

In the last three generations (since WW II to now) fewer of us have been growing our food, and more of us have been buying seeds from big companies. Varieties are being lost, and not all plants do well everywhere.

Seed libraries help re-build a community storehouse of plant varieties that grow well right where we live. Seed libraries often become resource centers for sharing gardening and seed-saving skills and building community.

There are over 500 seed libraries in the US and hundreds more around the globe. Sharing seeds among libraries gives communities immediate access to adapted seeds in times of sudden, drastic changes in climate or pests. That’s why we call seed library projects “Seeds Without Borders”.