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.
Seed Saving
Seed saving is the practice of saving seeds or other reproductive material from vegetables, grains, herbs, and flowers for use from year to year for annuals; and nuts, tree fruits, and berries for perennials and trees.
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?
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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?
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No, the Seed Library is free and open to anyone with or without a library card.
- Does it cost anything?
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No, the Seed Library is free to use.
- How do I borrow seeds?
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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?
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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?
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No.
- Where do you get the seeds?
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We receive generous donations from Baker Creek Heirloom, Ferry-Morse, Park Seed, True Leaf Market, Burpee, Seed Savers Exchange, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, Eden Brothers, and Gurney's. We also accept donations from Working Food, a local organization. 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.