Borrowing seeds from Madison Public Library is free and easy!
- Visit participating libraries to pick up seeds.
- Grow your plants and enjoy the harvest.
- After harvest, collect and share seeds with neighbors if you'd like!
By participating in the seed library you are helping to create a culture of sharing and community. Saving seeds leads to a sustainable future for your community and your garden.
Participating Libraries
How do I get seeds?
Visit participating libraries to pick up seeds. There's no limit to the number of seed packets you can request and each packet contains about 10 seeds. Please note, just like with our books, there are a limited number of seeds in the collection.
We've created some helpful book lists to use alongside your seeds, as a way to learn more about a variety of topics related to different kinds of gardening. You can download and print the booklists or peruse them digitally and place holds using LINKcat.
Download Gardening Book List for Adults
Download Gardening Book List for Kids
Seeds Available at participating Madison Libraries
- Bush Green Beans
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Beets
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Collards
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Cucumbers
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Flowers: Cosmos, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Pansies, Sunflowers, Zinnias
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Herbs: Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage
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Kale (lacinato)
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Lettuce
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Melon: Cantaloupe, Watermelon
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Pie Pumpkin
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Radishes
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Spinach
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Squash: Butternut, Zucchini
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Sugarsnap Peas
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Peppers: Sweet bell type, Hot
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Tomatoes: Cherry type, Slicer type
Contact your library for a full list of available seeds, as availability differs at participating libraries. Available while supplies last!
Funding
Madison Public Library's Seed Library began as a larger project called the Dane County Seed Library, which was started in 2014 with a $5,000 grant provided by the John A. Johnson Fund and an anonymous donor through the Madison Community Foundation. The Seed Library is currently funded by Madison Public Library and the Friends of Lakeview Library.