What is the Seed Library?
The Seed Library is where we share free seeds and gardening tips with all gardeners, new and experienced. The ACLD Seed Library contains a selection of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds. Our selection changes throughout the year based on donations.
At the Alachua County Library District our goal is building a better community by providing opportunities to participate, connect, and discover. With our seed library we have seen individuals come together to share their knowledge, families discover a new bonding activity, and people who’ve never gardened before learn how easy it is to grow their own food.
Donations & Seed Saving
We are most fortunate when our patrons can save locally grown and collected seeds to donate back to us. Contact your local seed library for further information on how to donate.
If you are new to seed saving and want to try it, Community Seed Network has several resources listed on their website for beginners and experienced seed savers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Where is the Seed Library located?
You will find a Seed Library at all Alachua County Library District locations. Please speak to staff at your preferred location for details about their particular Seed Library.
- Do I need a library card?
No, the Seed Library is free and open to anyone with or without a library card.
- Does it cost anything?
No, the Seed Library is free to use.
- How do I borrow seeds?
At this time, each library branch is handling its seed library differently. For example, some seed libraries are in public areas, while some are behind the Circulation Desk at other locations. Speak to staff at your preferred library for more information.
- How many seeds can I take?
Each library location has set their own checkout limit for seeds. Speak to staff at your preferred library for more information.
- Am I required to return seeds and/or participate in seed saving?
No.
- Where do you get the seeds?
We are sincerely grateful for the generous donations from the following seed companies:
2023/2024: Sow Right Seeds, True Leaf Market, Ferry-Morse, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
2022/2023: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Ferry-Morse, Park Seed, True Leaf Market, Burpee, Seed Savers Exchange, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, Eden Brothers, and Gurney's
We also receive seed donations from Working Food, a local organization, and we are most fortunate when our patrons can save locally grown and collected seeds to donate back to us. Contact your local seed library on how to donate.
- How do I donate seeds to the library?
Staff at any library location can accept seed donations. Please write down as much information as possible about your seeds to give to staff with your donation.
- The seeds I picked up did not sprout. Why is this?
Our seeds come from many sources. We hope all seeds donated to the library are viable, but we cannot guarantee that they are. If you kept the packet, bring it in and let staff know to run a sprout test.
- My preferred library doesn't have seeds or doesn't have the seeds I am looking for. What do I do?
Let a staff member at your preferred location know. We are happy to communicate with our other locations to see if we can find what you are looking for.