A seed library lends or shares seeds with local growers. Patrons can, but are not required to,
return collected seeds to the library at the end of the growing season for future distribution. The
benefits of seeds libraries are many, and depending on the focus of the library, may include:

• Preservation of food crop and flower varieties through propagation and seed sharing
• Cultivation of food crop and flower varieties that thrive in local ecologies
• Contributions to agricultural biodiversity, with a focus on regional, local, and/or heirloom seed varieties
• Preservation of open pollinated varieties of fruits and vegetables
• Local production of nutritious foods, lessening dependence on large agribusiness
• Attraction of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Seed libraries are not only an agricultural idea but also a cultural one: a vision of a community that
values sharing resources and expertise without thinking of profit.

The GCC Seed Library was launched in the spring of 2015, before many local
libraries had seed libraries. It was the brainchild of librarian Hope Schneider and science faculty Anthony Reiber, with startup money provided by both the library and the SAGE program (Sustainable Agriculture and Green Energy) under the science department.

As part of starting the seed library, librarians and Reiber toured the seed library at Hampshire College, a project launched by one of their students. Student interns from the science department and the library helped (and continue to help) select, package, and label seeds, as well as to create informational brochures and signage. Initially open to GCC students and staff only, the seed library is now open to anyone from the community.

The GCC Seed Library is located on display shelves near the north entrance of the Nahman-Watson Library. Anyone can patronize the seed library – GCC students and staff, as well as members of the public. 

1. Patrons select seeds from drawers. Patrons may select as many varieties as they like but may only take one packet, per variety.
2. Patrons fill out a borrower form (paper or online). Paper forms should be turned in at the front desk. Patrons can opt to receive periodic emails containing announcements about new seed varieties and workshops, seed collection instructions, and callouts for voluntary progress reports.
3. Patrons are invited to return clean, saved seeds to the library. These seeds will be made available during the next growing season. Seeds should be returned in a clearly labeled (name and date seeds were collected) envelope or container. Returning seeds is not required.

2023 Seed List

The 2023 Plant Swap happened 3/20-3/21. We hope you join us next year!

The GCC Plant Swap is part of our annual seed library kickoff. The swap takes place in the library and is a self-serve event. Participants are invited to leave a plant and take a plant. You are not required to contribute to the swap in order to take an item. Instructions:

• The plant swap is hosted in the library. We will accept contributions starting the week before the event. You can also bring contributions during the event itself.
• Indoor/outdoor plants, cuttings, divisions, etc. are welcome.
• Items should be pest-free and healthy.
• Items can be potted or bare root. Bare root items should be wrapped to contain soil—the library has newspaper available.
• Labels will be available – providing plant name and basic care is encouraged but not required.
• Have fun!