Seed Library

Spring 2024 kickoff: Tuesday, March 12. Swing by, grab some seeds, and grow with us! Our annual plant swap is on March 12 & 13. More information below.

 

The GCC Seed Library offers a diverse collection of seeds to the public at no cost. Our mission is to make gardening accessible to all by reducing financial barriers, sharing resources and expertise, and nurturing a community bound by a common passion for gardening. Our model mirrors the foundational principles of a traditional library; however, instead of lending books, we provide seeds for community members to cultivate in their own gardens.

We offer a wide array of seeds in our collection, ranging from vegetables to herbs and flowers, focusing on heirloom and open-pollinated varieties to ensure a rich tapestry of biodiversity. We encourage patrons of the seed library to engage in sustainable gardening practices, including seed saving for future cultivation. Patrons are encouraged to donate a portion of collected seeds back to the seed library, helping support the sustainability of our effort and strengthening connections in the community.

The GCC Seed Library community is open to all...grow with us!

GCC Seed Library History

The GCC Seed Library launched in the spring of 2015. It was the brainchild of librarian Hope Schneider and science faculty member Anthony Reiber, with startup money provided by the Nahman-Watson Library and the science department’s SAGE program (Sustainable Agriculture and Green Energy).

Librarians and Reiber toured the seed library at Hampshire College, a project launched by one of their students, during the planning phase. Science department interns and library student workers joined the effort, and continue to support the work of the seed library by sorting and packaging seeds, and also caring for plants offered during our annual plant swap. The seed library was initially open only to GCC students and staff but has since expanded to offer seeds to anyone from the community.

How does it work?


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. Select seeds from drawers. You may select as many varieties as you like but may only take one packet, per variety.

2. Fill out a patron form (paper or online). These forms help us collect data we use to make the seed library better. Use the QR code on the display to fill out an electronic form, or fill out a paper form and hand it in at the front desk. 

3. You are encouraged to return clean, saved seeds to the library. These seeds will be made available during the next growing season – donors will be acknowledged on seed envelope labels. Seeds should be returned in a clearly labeled (variety name and date seeds were collected) envelope or container. Returning seeds is not required but encouraged!

Seed Return Pledge

We encourage participants to engage in the cycle of sustainability by saving seeds from their gardens and contributing them back to the library. This practice not only ensures the ongoing enrichment of our seed collection but also plays a crucial role in preserving plant genetic diversity. Donated seeds will be made available during the next growing season and donors will be acknowledged on seed envelope labels. We invite you to pledge to return seeds to the seed library in 2024. This pledge is simply you saying, “I’m going to make an effort to return seeds to the seed library this year.” You get to decide what seeds you want to collect and return, how much, and when you return them. How do I pledge to return seeds to the GCC Seed Library?

1. Peruse our seed collection and help yourself to the seeds of your choice.
2. Indicate on the patron form if you would like to pledge to return seeds.
3. Take a seed pledge reminder card and put it somewhere visible in your home.

Seed library organizers will reach out periodically to check in, and offer seed collection support. Drop off seed donations anytime during regular library service hours. Thank you for helping us sustain this resource and helping us build community!

What seeds are available?
Workshops

We offer periodic workshops designed to cultivate community bonds while imparting valuable knowledge on a range of gardening practices, such as seed saving and seed starting. These workshops are hosted on campus and led by Anthony Reiber, natural resources special program coordinator.

We are offering a seed starting workshop at noon on Wednesday, March 27, room S338.
Details forthcoming. 

Images from the seed saving workshop offered in Fall 2023.

 

 

Annual GCC Plant Swap

Our 2024 Plant Swap is on Tuesday, March 12 and Wednesday, March 13

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/or 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 accept contributions year-round. You can also bring contributions to the event itself.
  • Indoor/outdoor plants, cuttings, divisions, etc. are welcome.
  • Items should be pest-free and healthy.
  • Items can be cuttings, potted or bare root. Bare root items should be wrapped to contain soil—the library has newspaper available.
  • Labels are provided.
  • Have fun!

General questions, comments, and/or suggestions? Swing into the library or email librarian Young-In Kim, . Questions relating to planting, growing, and/or harvesting seeds? Contact Anthony Reiber, Natural Resources Special Program Coordinator, .