MPL Seed Library

In our recent series of postings, we’ve been shining a light on how to use the library and the services that the library offers to residents. Today we want to talk about a small-but-mighty section of the library that offers FREE materials to gardeners and wanna-be gardeners.

The Macedon Public Library’s Seed Library is to the left of the front door as you enter the library. It’s on the top shelf in the section that also includes newspapers and magazines.

So what’s a seed library? We’re glad you asked. Popular in libraries and municipal buildings across the country, a seed library offers packets of seeds, free of charge, to local gardeners. The seeds are collected from seed companies as well as from gardeners who save seeds from the plants they are growing each year.

The seeds generally come with directions on their planting and care, and are for summer vegetables such as lettuce or tomatoes, and for flowers. You may choose a handful of packets whenever you come to the library (we ask you to limit it to five per visit).

When you get home, follow directions for planting, and in a few months (or even just weeks, for some quick-growing vegetables) you’ll have fresh, homegrown veggies or lovely flowers. If you wish, let a few of your plants go to seed at the end of the season, and bring those seeds back to the library for next year’s gardeners.

Seeds for the Seed Library come from a variety of sources. Many are supplied by local gardeners. MPL’s Friends of the Library group gives the Seed Library a small budget each year to purchase additional seeds. This year, we also have seeds from Cornell University.

There’s no need to check out the seeds. The library operates on the honor system, and we ask you just to take seeds that you know you’ll use. The Seed Library is open to everyone—from experienced gardeners to those who have always wanted to try their hand at growing green stuff—and we hope you’ll check it out on your next visit.