seed-lending library at Richmond (Calif.) Public Library

Planting a Seed in Your Community

Angela Hanshaw | June 02, 2011

Some of you may remember my blog post on gardening from last year. Let’s just say my first serious attempt at growing vegetables was a learning experience, and I’m currently hard at work on this year’s garden. In order to refresh my gardening memory (and hopefully improve this year’s crop), I did a little online research and was thrilled to stumble upon Richmond (Calif.) Public Library’s seed-lending library. Its mission? “To create a culture of sharing, abundance and community involvement.” People can “borrow” seeds for free after they have watched an online orientation (see the video below) or attended an orientation in person at the library. The library also offers free classes on seeds saving, starting seeds indoors, and other gardening-related topics.

The library created the seed-lending program to not only serve the Richmond area, but to provide a model that can be easily duplicated in other communities. Is the idea of a seed library growing on you? Check out Richmond Grows, the seed-lending library’s website, for information on starting your own seed library. The page includes a step-by-step guide as well as sample labels and brochures.

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Angela Hanshaw is Program Officer/Web Editor for the ALA Public Programs Office.

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