There are always members of your community that can be helped through gardening. The Sachem Public Library has created greater access to gardening and fresh, healthy foods in their community by creating a seed library where local patrons can access fresh garden seeds to plant at home. These seeds include selections of flowers, herbs, and vegetables that perform well in their area. In addition to offering seeds through the Sachem Public Library, they are also growing fresh vegetables and herbs in their community garden. This harvest will provide fresh food that is free for community members to take. Any surplus will be donated to their local food banks for dispersing.

How the Sachem Seed Library Helps the Community

A seed library is about more than just seeds. To the city of Holbrook, NY, the seed library aims “to promote sustainable gardening, empower individuals to grow their own food, and encourage environmental stewardship by offering free seeds to the community. Our goal is to support gardeners of all experience levels and contribute to building a more self-sufficient, eco-conscious neighborhood.”

Promotes Sustainability - When community members grow their own food, they are less reliant on store-bought produce and become resilient to supply-chain shortages or disruptions.

Encourages Healthy Living - Food scarcity and food deserts threaten many urban areas that rely on walking or public transportation. Food deserts are considered “geographic areas where residents’ access to affordable, healthy food options (especially fresh fruits and vegetables) is restricted or nonexistent due to the absence of grocery stores within convenient traveling distance.” By providing an affordable source of healthy foods, seed libraries empower individuals and families to live healthy lifestyles.

Supports Environmental Stewardship - The Seed Library prioritizes the use of heirloom and open-pollinated seeds, which helps preserve plant biodiversity and fosters environmentally friendly gardening practices that benefit local ecosystems. Seeds from heirloom plants can also be harvested for planting in future years.

Educational Resources - The Seed Library provides more than just seeds. It also offers workshops and resources on topics such as composting, garden planning, and growing techniques, helping individuals gain the knowledge they need to succeed in their gardening efforts.

Access and Resources for All - This program educates, fosters connections, and supports families through sustainable gardening. This initiative helps to make gardening more accessible to everyone, regardless of financial means, and encourages the growth of home gardens in the community.

What is a Seed Library?

Creating a seed library is simple. All you need are some seed packets and a way to offer them to the community. Seed libraries are traditionally created with the intention of being available to community members at no charge. You can often find them in public libraries, city buildings, public schools, community centers, or other public spaces. When starting a seed library in spaces other than libraries where information can be found on how to grow plants from seed, we recommend providing some sort of handout with basic planting instructions.

Is There a Seed Library Near You?

Seed libraries across the United States can be located by exploring the Seed Library Network's map. Is there one near you? If not, we recommend teaming up with your community to create one. Seed libraries are best created in connection with a community garden to provide both the resources and opportunity for members of your community to grow their own food.