WEBINAR: How to Start a Seed Library
March 11, 2013
Imagine if your public library didn't just check out books — but also packets of seeds.
Watch this webinar to learn how to start a seed library!
At a seed library, patrons can check out seeds for free. They then grow the fruits and vegetables, harvest the new seeds, and "return" those seeds so the library can lend them out to others.
In April 2013, New Dream hosted a webinar about how to start a seed lending program at your public library. Topics include funding models, obtaining starter seeds, patron orientation, and more. The webinar features speakers from seed libraries around the country.
Guest speakers:
- Kelly Becker — Seed Library Coordinator, La Crosse Public Library (La Crosse, WI). Seed library opened in February 2013.
- Justine Hernandez — Seed Librarian, Pima County Public Library (Tucson, AZ). Seed library opened in January 2012.
- Stephanie Syson — Institute Manager, Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute, Basalt Seed Library Project (Basalt, CO). Seed library opened January 2013.
Click here to watch a recording of the webinar. Hear Becker, Hernandez, and Syson share their experiences and answer questions about how you can get a seed library going in your own town! (Video length: Approx. 1 hour)
Additional resources for starting seed libraries:
- Seed Savers Exchange: Vegetable planting and seed saving instructions
- The Seed Library Social Network
- Organic Seed Alliance
- Saving Our Seeds: For mid-Atlantic and southern U.S. states
- Seed Matters: Grant program by Clif Bar Family Foundation
- USDA Plants Database
- Seed Broadcast
- Urban Food Garden
Helpful websites from other seed libraries:
- Seed Library of Pima County Public Library (Tucson, AZ)
- Seed Library of La Crosse Public Library (La Crosse, WI)
- Richmond Grows (Richmond, CA)