Seed Libraries at U.S. Public Libraries (207 Verified, by State)
🌱 U.S. library guide
Seed Libraries: Borrow Free Seeds at the Library
A growing number of U.S. public libraries run a seed library — a free collection of vegetable, herb and flower seeds you can “check out,” plant at home, and (if you like) let go to seed so you can return some for next year. Here is how library seed libraries work, what you can take, and a verified, state-by-state list of libraries that have one.
A seed library lets you take packets of seeds — usually vegetables, herbs and flowers — from the library for free, grow them at home, and optionally save seeds from your harvest to return so the collection keeps going. Many are organized in a repurposed card catalog or drawer near the entrance, sorted by crop, and are busiest in spring planting season. Most don’t even require you to return seeds — returning is encouraged, not mandatory — and some let you take seeds without a library card at all.
📍 Browse by state
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMissouriMontanaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaTennesseeTexasVermontVirginiaWashingtonWisconsinWyoming
How it works
- Find the seed library. Seed collections are often in a repurposed card catalog or drawer near the entrance; check the library’s website or ask at the desk, and note that stock is highest in early spring.
- Check how many packets you can take. Libraries usually set a limit per visit (commonly a handful of packets) so there is enough for everyone; some ask you to sign a simple log.
- Take your seeds home and grow them. Follow the packet or the growing tips many seed libraries provide, and start with easy, reliable crops if you are new to gardening.
- Save seeds from your harvest (optional). If you let a few of your best plants “go to seed,” you can collect, dry and package those seeds — heirloom and open-pollinated varieties come back true to type.
- Return some seeds to keep it going. Bring saved seeds back, labeled with the variety and year, so the collection stays stocked for your neighbors — though most libraries make this a friendly request, not a requirement.
Good to know
Seed libraries vary a lot by branch. Most are free and many don’t require a library card, but packet limits, whether you are asked to return seeds, and what is in stock all differ — and collections are usually fullest in spring. Look for open-pollinated or heirloom seeds if you want to save and return them, since hybrid seeds don’t grow true to type. Check the branch’s page or call ahead before you go.
Libraries with seed libraries, by state
Every library below has this service verified on its official page. We add more as we confirm them — browse the full U.S. library directory for everything else.
Alabama · 4 libraries
Tupper Lightfoot Memorial LibraryBRUNDIDGE, Alabama · +1 334-735-2145164 SOUTH MAIN STREETSeed Library (seasonal checkout) →Westgate Branch LibraryDOTHAN, Alabama · +1 334-793-9767535 RECREATION ROADSeed Library →W. Alan Summers Municipal LibraryPINSON, Alabama · +1205-680-38126757 OLD SPRINGVILLE ROADCommunity Seed Swap program and Storytime Kits for preschool families →
+1 more Alabama library with this service — see the full Alabama directory.
Alaska · 1 library
Arizona · 15 libraries
Sam Garcia Western Avenue LibraryAVONDALE, Arizona · (623) 333-2665495 E Western AveSeed Library (borrow and return garden seeds) →Apache Junction Public LibraryApache Junction, Arizona · (480) 474-85551177 N. Idaho RoadSeed library — up to 4 seed packets per card per month; Southwest-adapted varieties via Native Seeds Search partnership →Clifton Public LibraryCLIFTON, Arizona · +1928-865-2461588 TURNER AVESeed library →
Arkansas · 2 libraries
California · 3 libraries
Bayshore Branch LibraryDALY CITY, California · (650) 991-8074460 Martin StreetSeed Library — free vegetable seeds chosen for Daly City's coastal fog climate →Oak Park LibrarySAN DIEGO, California · (619) 527-34062802 54th St.Seed library — borrow free vegetable, herb, and flower seeds →Ocean Beach LibrarySan Diego, California · (619) 531-15324801 Santa Monica AvenueOcean Beach Seed Library — seed lending program open to all San Diego County residents (no card required); request by mail at sandiego.gov/sdplseedlibraries →
Colorado · 5 libraries
Aurora Public Library (Central)Aurora, Colorado · (303) 739-660014949 E Alameda PkwySeed library and community seed-saving programming →Berthoud Community Library DistrictBerthoud, Colorado · (970) 532-2757236 Welch AvenueSeed Library →Louisville Public LibraryLouisville, Colorado · (303) 335-4849951 Spruce StreetCommunity Seed Library (second floor, near Makerspace) →
+2 more Colorado libraries with this service — see the full Colorado directory.
Connecticut · 2 libraries
Delaware · 1 library
Florida · 6 libraries
Frederick Eugene Lykes Jr. Memorial LibraryBROOKSVILLE, Florida · (352) 754-4043238 HOWELL AVE.Seed Library — vegetable, herb & flower seeds for checkout →Suwannee River Regional Library — Live OakLIVE OAK, Florida · +1-386-362-23171848 OHIO AVENUE SOUTHSeed Lending Library →Columbia County Public LibraryLake City, Florida · (386) 758-2101308 NW Columbia AvenueSeed Lending Library at Fort White Branch (vegetable, flower, and herb seeds) →
+3 more Florida libraries with this service — see the full Florida directory.
Georgia · 2 libraries
Idaho · 2 libraries
Illinois · 19 libraries
Berwyn Public LibraryBERWYN, Illinois · +1 708-795-80002701 SOUTH HARLEM AVENUESeed Library →Avalon Branch — Chicago Public LibraryCHICAGO, Illinois · (312) 747-52348148 South Stony Island AvenueSeed library — free seeds with library card →Bezazian Branch — Chicago Public LibraryCHICAGO, Illinois · (312) 744-00191226 West Ainslie StreetSeed library — free seeds with library card →
Indiana · 2 libraries
Iowa · 1 library
Kansas · 2 libraries
Kentucky · 2 libraries
Louisiana · 1 library
Massachusetts · 1 library
Michigan · 29 libraries
Auburn Hills Public LibraryAuburn Hills, Michigan · (248) 370-94663400 East Seyburn DriveSeed library →Baldwin Public LibraryBirmingham, Michigan · (248) 647-1700300 West Merrill StreetSeed library collection for community gardeners →Bloomfield Township Public LibraryBloomfield Township, Michigan · (248) 642-58001099 Lone Pine RoadSeed Library (seasonal free seed packets) →
Minnesota · 6 libraries
Chatfield Public LibraryChatfield, Minnesota · (507) 867-3480314 Main Street SouthSeed library — free vegetable, herb, and flower seeds →Hosmer LibraryMinneapolis, Minnesota · (612) 543-6900347 East 36th StreetSeed library — borrow vegetable, herb, and flower seeds with your library card (while supplies last) →Nokomis LibraryMinneapolis, Minnesota · (612) 543-68005100 34th Avenue SSeed library — borrow seeds for home gardening →
+3 more Minnesota libraries with this service — see the full Minnesota directory.
Missouri · 1 library
Montana · 4 libraries
Dillon Public LibraryDillon, Montana · (406) 683-4544121 South Idaho StreetSeed Library — circulating seed collection for Beaverhead County gardeners →Flathead County Library — KalispellKALISPELL, Montana · +14067585820247 1ST AVE EASTSeed exchange (seasonal) →Missoula Public LibraryMISSOULA, Montana · +1 406-721-2665455 E MAIN STFive Valleys Seed Library →
+1 more Montana library with this service — see the full Montana directory.
New Hampshire · 1 library
New Jersey · 11 libraries
Cumberland County LibraryBridgeton, New Jersey · (856) 453-2210800 E. Commerce St.Seed Library — vegetable, herb, and flower seeds available for checkout →Cherry Hill Public LibraryCherry Hill, New Jersey · (856) 667-03001100 Kings Highway NorthCHPL Seed Library — borrow seeds for home gardening →Cranford Public LibraryCranford, New Jersey · 908-709-7272224 Walnut AvenueNative Seed Library →
New Mexico · 5 libraries
Embudo Valley Library and Community CenterDixon, New Mexico · (505) 579-9181217A Highway 75Seed library: up to 10 heirloom/open-pollinated seed packets per season free with library card →Octavia Fellin Public LibraryGallup, New Mexico · (505) 863-1291115 West Hill AvenueSeed library →Gila Valley LibraryGila, New Mexico · (575) 535-4343411 Highway 211Southwest Seed Library (save and share seeds for native and heritage plants) →
+2 more New Mexico libraries with this service — see the full New Mexico directory.
New York · 2 libraries
North Carolina · 2 libraries
Caldwell County Public LibraryLENOIR, North Carolina · (828) 757-1270120 Hospital AvenueSeed Library — borrow heirloom vegetable and flower seeds seasonally →Ashe County Public LibraryWest Jefferson, North Carolina · (336) 846-2041148 Library DriveAshe Seed Library (celebrating 10 years in 2026): free open-pollinated and heirloom seeds preserving Appalachian foodways, open April–October on the library's upper level →
North Dakota · 1 library
Ohio · 2 libraries
Oregon · 15 libraries
Harney County LibraryBurns, Oregon · (541) 573-667080 West D StreetSeed Library: free vegetable & flower seed packets (open to all, no card required) →Canby Public LibraryCanby, Oregon · (503) 266-3394220 NE 2nd AvenueSeed Library — seasonal seed borrowing and returns →Estacada Public LibraryEstacada, Oregon · (503) 630-8273825 NW Wade StreetSeed Library (free vegetable & flower seeds) →
Pennsylvania · 2 libraries
Bethel-Tulpehocken Public LibraryBethel, Pennsylvania · (717) 933-40608601 Lancaster AvenueFree seed exchange (vegetable, herb and flower seeds, available year-round) →Moon Township Public LibraryCoraopolis, Pennsylvania · (412) 269-03341700 Beaver Grade Road, Suite 100Seed Library — free seeds for home gardens each season →
Rhode Island · 3 libraries
Barrington Public LibraryBarrington, Rhode Island · (401) 247-1920281 County RoadSeed Library — check out vegetable, herb and flower seeds each growing season →Middletown Public LibraryMiddletown, Rhode Island · (401) 846-1573700 West Main RoadMPL Seed Library →Rochambeau LibraryProvidence, Rhode Island · (401) 272-3780708 Hope StreetFree Seed Library →
South Carolina · 7 libraries
Anderson Main LibraryAnderson, South Carolina · (864) 260-4500300 N. McDuffie St.LEAP Station lending program: museum passes to Greenville's Children's Museum and Roper Mountain Science Center, state park admissions, fishing poles, and a seed library stocked with Anderson County S →Richland Library — MainColumbia, South Carolina · (803) 799-90841431 Assembly StreetStudio Services: Fabrication Shop (3D printing, Glowforge laser cutter, woodworking power tools), Fiberworks Studio, Production Stage & Post-Production Lab, Art Studio, Seed Library, Artist-in-Residen →Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial LibraryEasley, South Carolina · (864) 850-7077304 Biltmore RoadSeed library for home and community gardeners →
+4 more South Carolina libraries with this service — see the full South Carolina directory.
Tennessee · 13 libraries
Cleveland Bradley County Public LibraryCleveland, Tennessee · (423) 472-2163795 Church Street NESeed Library — borrow, grow and return garden seeds →Lebanon-Wilson County Public LibraryLEBANON, Tennessee · +1-615-444-0632108 South Hatton AvenueCommunity seed exchange program →Bellevue Branch LibraryNashville, Tennessee · (615) 862-5854720 Baugh RoadCommunity garden & seed exchange →
Texas · 13 libraries
Central Library (APL)Austin, Texas · (512) 974-7400710 W. César Chávez StreetSeed Library: borrow locally adapted vegetable, herb, and flower seeds — return seeds at harvest to keep the collection growing →Emily Fowler Central LibraryDENTON, Texas · 940-349-8752502 Oakland StreetSeed Library →Hampton-Illinois Branch LibraryDallas, Texas · (214) 670-76462951 South Hampton RoadSeed Library: check out heirloom and open-pollinated seeds for home gardening (no return required) →
Vermont · 1 library
Virginia · 7 libraries
Augusta County LibraryFISHERSVILLE, Virginia · +1-540-885-39611759 JEFFERSON HWY.Seed Library (spring planting season) →Appomattox Regional Library — Hopewell BranchHopewell, Virginia · (804) 458-6329209 East Cawson StreetSeed Lending Library for community gardeners →Smyth County Public Library — Marion MainMarion, Virginia · (276) 783-2323118 South Sheffey StreetHeirloom Seed Exchange →
+4 more Virginia libraries with this service — see the full Virginia directory.
Washington · 4 libraries
Anacortes Public LibraryAnacortes, Washington · (360) 293-19101220 10th StreetLibrary of Things lending collection and Fidalgo Seed Library seed checkout →Orcas Island Public LibraryEastsound, Washington · (360) 376-4985500 Rose StreetSeed library for the growing season →Longview Public LibraryLongview, Washington · (360) 442-53001600 Louisiana StreetSeed Library — borrow seeds for home gardening, return new seeds at harvest →
+1 more Washington library with this service — see the full Washington directory.
Wisconsin · 2 libraries
Wyoming · 3 libraries
Natrona County LibraryCASPER, Wyoming · +1-307-577-7323307 EAST 2NDSeed Library →Laramie County LibraryCheyenne, Wyoming · (307) 634-35612200 Pioneer AvenueSeed library for home gardeners →Albany County Public LibraryLaramie, Wyoming · (307) 721-2580310 S. 8th StreetHigh Plains Seed Library — free seed lending, no card or due dates required →
FAQ
What is a seed library?
A seed library is a free collection of seeds — usually vegetables, herbs and flowers — kept at a public library. You take packets to plant at home, and if you like you can save seeds from your harvest and return some so the collection continues. It works a bit like borrowing a book, except “returning” is usually encouraged rather than required.
Do you have to return seeds to a seed library?
Usually not. Most public library seed libraries encourage you to save and return seeds from your best plants, but returning is a friendly request, not a rule — there is no fine if your garden doesn’t produce seed. Returning saved seeds (labeled with the variety and year) simply helps keep the collection stocked for the community.
Are library seed libraries free?
Yes — taking seeds from a library seed library is free. Many libraries don’t even require a library card, though some ask you to sign a short log or limit how many packets you can take per visit so there is enough for everyone.
When is the best time to get seeds from a seed library?
Early spring, before planting season, is when most seed libraries are fully stocked — often supplied by seed-company donations and seeds returned by local gardeners. Some libraries also offer seeds in fall for cool-season crops. Popular varieties go quickly, so check early in the season.
Do I need a library card to use a seed library?
It depends on the library. Some seed libraries are open to anyone with no card required, while others ask you to have a card or sign a simple sign-out sheet. Each library sets its own policy — check that branch’s page or call ahead.
New to libraries? Learn how to get a library card in any U.S. state, or find a branch near you in the public library directory.
By Megan Carter, Library Resources Editor · public-libraries.com