Seed Libraries
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  • Start A Library
    • Seed Library Network
    • Getting Started
    • Check Out Procedures
    • Envelopes
    • Orientation Resources
    • Return Policy
    • Recommended Books
    • Featured Libraries
    • Sister Libraries
    • Sources of Seeds
  • Maintain a Library
    • How to Organize Your Seeds
    • Tips Videos
    • Education
    • Guidelines for Maintaining Collection
    • Grow Out Program
  • Resources
    • Videos
    • Seed Swaps
    • Special Projects >
      • Community Seed Gardens
      • One Seed, One Community Project
      • Crops Swaps
      • Dye Plants
      • Tomato Festival
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We are 100% community funded. 

Cool Beans! Subscribe Now

What's a Seed Library?

Subscribe to Cool Beans! Seed Libraries Newsletter
It's a free magazine that supports communities to launch, maintain and grow their seed library and local resilience. Feel free to print any articles from our newsletters in your own community newsletters. 
Cool Beans! Newsletter

Next Issue: Coming in January 2019
Seed Swaps & Exchanges
We'd love to hear from you!

Current Issue:
Minutes from the 8th Annual National Seed Libraries Summit

Past Issues:
Issue #15: August 2018 - Community Seed Hubs
Issue #14: June 2018 - Inspiring Youth
Issue #13: April 2018 - Growing Community
Issue #12: January 2018 - Stewarding Seeds
Issue #11: September-October 2017
Issue #10: August-September 2017
Issue #9: February-March 2017
Issue #8 January-February 2016
Issue #7 August 2015
Issue #6 June 2015
Issue #5 May 2015 - Special Edition - International Seed Library Forum
Issue #4 March-April 2015
Issue #3 January-February 2015
Issue #2 October 2014
Issue #1 August 2014


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.  When you fill in the survey, we'll add you to our sister libraries page as either "mulling" or "open." If you fill it in as mulling, please fill it in again after you've opened so we can update your status.
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