What's a Seed Library?
A seed library is a place where community members can get seeds for free or for a nominal fee and is run for the public benefit. Many seed libraries are open in public libraries and community centers. For some communities, getting folks to garden and grow some of their own food is the focus. For other communities, seed libraries may be created as an important step to develop a network of seed savers, to create locally adapted varieties, to respond proactively to climate change or loss of gene integrity due to GMOs or to preserve genetic diversity. Seed saving is something humans have done for over 10,000 years. Rejoin the ritual and start to save seed and share the abundance in your community.
This website features free resources on how to start a library, how to connect with others who have started libraries and offers resources and insight into how to maintain a library once started. Let us know you're interested in starting a seed library by filling in our 2-3 minute survey. Periodically we send out awesome new resources or information on seed librarian gatherings. Once you've opened, we'll add you to our sister seed libraries list. |
Protect Seed Libraries
Click to sign the petition!
To: Directors of all 50 U.S. State Departments of Agriculture Over 300 nonprofit seed libraries in the U.S. might be regulated out of existence due to misapplication of seed laws by several state departments of agriculture. I believe seed libraries are key to a more secure and resilient food system. Seed libraries provide free access to seeds, protect the diversity of our food sources, and educate community members about growing food and saving seed. I support citizens’ freedom to share locally saved seed with their neighbors. Laws designed to regulate commercial sales of seed should not be applied to noncommercial donations of seed or to seed libraries. Therefore, I ask that you (1) issue a public statement declaring that your state’s Department of Agriculture’s seed enforcement policy does not include seed libraries, and (2) begin implementing regulations formalizing this policy. Sincerely, [Your name] If you carrot all about local seed, sign the petition. |
