Seed Library

Libraries throughout the county have established seed libraries and we are one of them. Seed-sharing programs aim to expand access to crops and educate the public, while also protecting scarce agricultural resources. Another common goal of seed libraries is to educate people on the unique plants and specific needs of the region, be it high-altitude, humid, urban, or rural. But each seed library is a little different, they encourage patrons to grow and save seeds to return to the seed collection.

The Friends of the Loomis Library are proud to partner with the UC Master Gardeners of Placer County to host a seed library and free, in-person and online gardening workshops to help you become successful in your gardening endeavors. Please visit our events calendar for upcoming workshops at the library.

How to Use the Seed Library

• Explore the seed library catalog and select up to five packets of seeds.
• Record which free seed packets you are taking with you. This helps with future purchasing decisions.
• Enter the date, your name, seed type, and the number of packets on the form.
• Please allow at least one of your plants to go to seed and collect them to return to the library when the plant has completed its cycle.

Follow the Seed Key to help you select which plants will work in your garden.

• UC Master Gardeners of Placer County Placer County Vegetable Planting Guide

Resource Links

• UC Master Gardeners of Placer County Website
  Got Questions? Ask a Master Gardener!
• What Are Seed Libraries And Why Are They Important? An Explainer
• Growing Library Seed Programs – lots of links discussing seed libraries across the country
• Richmond, California Public Library’s Seed Program. It contains information on why we should save seeds, how to save them, what a seed library is, and gardening/seed related videos.
• Seed Savers Exchange How to Save Seeds
• Mother Lode Seed Library Homepage
• Seed Library Web Site
• Why So Many Public Libraries Are Now Giving Out Seeds
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• Cool Beans! A free magazine that supports communities to launch, maintain and grow their seed library and local resilience.