The Seed Library is closed!
The 2025 Seed Library is closed for the season and will return March 2026. Thank you for making the inaugural year a huge success!
Seed Library at-a-glance:
- Approximately 2,000 visits to the seed library
- Approximately 13,000 seed packets from 95 different varieties distributed
- Approximately 3,600 native seed packets from 28 varieties distributed
- Most popular seeds: Zinnia, Marigold, Cayenne Pepper, Basil, Milkweed (several varieties)
- Most popular requests for next year: Strawberry, Okra, more hot peppers, more tomatoes
Seed Saving
We welcome seed donations from this year's harvest. Please return any saved seeds to the adult reference desk in an envelope or bag labeled with the variety and date. Here are some tips:
1) Only return seeds harvested from library seeds or from open-pollinated varieties. We are especially interested in vegetable and native plant seeds
2) Select seeds from your best plants
3) Clean and dry seeds before packing/returning
4) Package seeds in a sealed bag or envelope and label with the variety and date of harvest
Seed Packing Socials
Help us pack seeds to distribute next season! Look in your Library Quarterly for "Seed Packing Social" programs where gardening lovers of all ages can help the library get ready for next spring!
"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need." - Cicero
Much like the public library, a seed library is all about sharing — seeds, gardening knowledge, and the joy of growing your own plants. By borrowing seeds, cultivating them into beautiful gardens, and returning some of your harvest to share with others, we’re creating a thriving community garden where everyone can participate.
Why Is This Important?
- It’s a great way to try new plants without a financial commitment
- Helps preserve native plant species and supports local ecosystems
- Fosters a sense of community
How It Works:
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Take Seeds
Take a look through the seed collection and pick the seeds you’d like to plant. We suggest taking no more than 3 seed packets per visit to ensure there’s enough for everyone. Just fill out a quick form to let us know what you’ve taken. -
Grow Your Garden
Plant your seeds and enjoy watching your plants grow. Need help? You can find gardening books and more tips in this online guide to help you along the way. -
Return Seeds (Optional)
Once your plants are fully grown, collect and dry some seeds to return to the library. Don’t forget to label the packets with the plant name and date, and place them in the “Return” drawer.
Please only return organic vegetable seeds and native Illinois plants.
Thank you for helping our community grow. Together, we can cultivate a sustainable future!
Help the Seed Library grow! We welcome feedback, suggestions, and stories about how you used the seed library in your garden this year.
Complete this form and also let us know if you would like to receive seed library updates.