Seed Library

A seed library is a collection of open-pollinated and heirloom seeds that you can “borrow” to plant and grow at home. Our collection includes non-genetically modified (non-GMO) vegetable, flower, and herb seeds.

How does a seed lending library work?

Gardeners borrow seeds from the Library at planting time. At the end of the growing season, they save seeds from the plants grown from the original seeds and return a portion of the seeds collected to the Library for use the following year. Here is how you can participate:

Browse the seed catalog drawers.
Choose up to 3 items. Limit to 2 of the same seed, please. Consider what seeds you will use.
Fill out a “Seeds Taken” slip and place it in the basket.
Please return unused seeds to the Library.
Grow, harvest, save, and share the seeds with the Library for next year!

FAQs

How many packets of seeds can I borrow?

There is limit of three (3) packets of seeds per library card from any library. If you do not have a library card, you can find more information about obtaining one here.

Our seed collection depends on donations and seasonality.

Do I have to return seeds?

There is no obligation to save and return seeds, especially if you’re new to seed saving. As you grow as a gardener and a seed saver, we hope that you will consider sharing your seeds with our seed library community.

How do I return seeds to the library?

Follow these easy steps:

Bring your labeled seeds to the Crete Public Library Information Desk, and we’ll add them to the collection for other community members to checkout.
Collect and clean seeds from your crops and set some aside for yourself and some for the Library.
Clearly label your donation in an envelope or container. You can pick up Seed Donation Forms at the Library, or download and print some here.

I don’t need seeds. Can I donate seeds to the Library anyway?

Absolutely! Donations are welcome. In order to become sustainable, donations from your garden are encouraged. Please follow the instructions above and bring your donations to the Library. This will ensure that the Library has accurate information about the seeds. Always choose healthy and disease-free crops for donations. Donated seeds will be added to the collection at the Library staff’s discretion.

Please contact the Information Desk at 708-672-8017 or cpldas@cretelibrary.org with additional questions about our Seed Library.