WHAT IS A SEED LIBRARY?
A seed library is a collection of seeds that are shared with members of the community. Choose from a variety of vegetable, herb and flower and native heirloom seeds to check out with your Library card. Plant them at home, enjoy the harvest, save the seeds and donate them back to the seed library to share with others.
How Does It Work?
“Borrowed” seed gets planted in gardens through the community and “returned or donated” seed replenishes the collection for future borrowers, creating a sustainable seed system!
Borrowing Seeds
The Rolla Public Library Seed Library operates on an honor system. We trust that our members properly “check out” only what they need to grow. We ask that you respect that the seed library is a shared public resource and to take only what you will use during the season. There is a limit of 4 seed packets a day per household in place.
Choose your seeds – You probably don’t need a lot! One tomato plant grown from one seed can produce up to 30 pounds of tomatoes!
Grow your plants – We encourage you to save seeds to return to the Seed Library, of course.
Seed Saving
Storage – Store properly dried seeds in a moisture-proof container. Small plastic bags, paper envelopes, or glass jars are all excellent choices. If using plastic bags, make sure to squeeze out all of the air. Keep seeds dry, dark and cool. Avoid light and never store seeds in direct sunlight or a well-lit room. When you are ready to use your seeds, keep them in their closed storage container until the seeds come to room temperature. This will prevent unwanted condensation from settling on the seed packets.
Seed Return and Donation
To donate or “return” your seeds to the Heirloom Seed Library. First make sure the the seeds you are donating are Heirloom. Then stop our donation station located in the Main Library. Donation forms are provided for can be found HERE.
