Seed Library
Planting seeds, growing knowledge, cultivating community.
The Livonia Public Library Seed Library offers free seeds and gardening resources to support sustainable practices, encourage home gardening, and strengthen our local community.
our mission
The Livonia Public Library’s Seed Library provides free access to seeds and gardening resources with the aim of:
- Encouraging the traditional practice of seed saving that conserves native, heirloom, and regionally-adapted varieties.
- Promoting food security and healthy eating by enabling users to grow their own food.
- Fostering collaboration and environmental stewardship through volunteer opportunities and educational programs.
By planting seeds, growing knowledge, and nurturing collaboration, we cultivate a greener, healthier, and more connected Livonia community.
how it works
Step 1: Check out seed packets from the Seed Library.
A library card is required. You can check out seeds by filling out a paper form, or by completing an online form (scan the QR code next to the Seed Library cabinet to get started).
Step 2: Grow the plants in your home garden.
Make sure to let some of the plants go to seed (leave fruits, veggies, or flowers on the plants until seeds mature).
Step 3: Harvest mature seeds and return some (cleaned and dried) to the Seed Library.
Seed donation forms, envelopes, and a donation drop box are available next to the Seed Library cabinet.
FAQ
Do I need to be a resident of Livonia to use the Seed Library?
No. But a library card is required to check out seeds.
How many packets of seed can I check out?
Checkouts are limited to 5 packets of seed per household per month.
If I check out seeds, am I obligated to return seeds?
Seed Library users agree to the Safe Seed Return Pledge (which means you will make a good faith effort to return viable seed), but the Seed Library operates fully on the honor system.
What if I can’t harvest seeds to return?
If you are unable to harvest seed at the end of a growing season, please consider donating fresh, unopened packets of commercial (heirloom, non-hybrid, non-GMO) seed instead.
What types of seeds are available for checkout?
We offer a wide variety of flower, food, and herb seeds. Offerings are subject to change based on users’ donations.
Where do the Seed Library seeds come from?
The Seed Library is stocked completely by donations from our users.
What seeds can be donated to the Seed Library?
The Seed Library accepts heirloom, non-hybrid, non-GMO seeds. Seeds can be from your home garden, or fresh commercial packets.
What seeds should not be donated to the Seed Library?
- The Seed Library cannot accept donations of patented seeds. Saving and sharing patented seeds violates intellectual property rights and is an illegal practice.
- The Seed Library does not accept donations of hybrid seed. Seeds saved from a hybrid plant either will not germinate or will produce offspring that are weak, inconsistent, and lack the desired traits of the parent plant.