You Gotta Try a seed library!

When visiting a seed library patrons can expect to learn about growing their own flowers, herbs, and vegetables from scratch. The (usually) native seeds are lent to a new home with the farmer’s intent to bring back the next generation’s hardier seeds.

Loutit District Library in Grand Haven has one of many public and free seed libraries along the lakeshore.

If you’re feeling inspired to start a kitchen garden, borrowing from a seed library is as simple as a visit to your public library. Some seed libraries are able to be used without a library card. Packets are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and most seed libraries accept donations year-around.

Seed libraries are used as a way to cultivate native biodiversity, foster education and community growth, and help growers sustain their own gardens. They encourage the curious grower– anyone can plant a seed, raise a new green friend, and collect the seeds to continue the cycle. The best planting advice is to get started.

How do I donate seeds to the library?

There are donation forms and envelopes available at both the Holland and Fennville libraries and online. Anyone donating seeds should know their information such as the location of growth, planting distance, original source, plant variety and color, etc.

The Muskegon Area District Libraries allow mail submission of seeds and will even mail out seed requests after filling their form out online.

Contact individual seed libraries for specific inquiries.

miseedlibrary.org

Try one of these seed libraries:

Fennville
Fennville District Library 
400 West Main Street
fennvilledl.michlibrary.org

Grand Haven
Loutit District Library 
407 Columbus Ave
loutitlibrary.org

Holland
Herrick District Library – Main Library
300 S River Ave

Herrick District Library – North Branch
155 Riley St
herrickdl.org

Muskegon

Hackley Public Library 
316 W. Webster Ave
madl.org/seed_library

Saugatuck
Saugatuck-Douglas Library
174 Center Street
sdlibrary.org