Library of things: Seed lending libraries

Published on November 22, 2024

Part of the City of Menlo Park's "library of things," the seed lending libraries operate as community seed exchanges in which borrowers can "check out" a wide variety of vegetable and flower seeds to plant in their gardens for home use.

The seed lending libraries are housed in repurposed library card catalogs at both of Menlo Park's library locations. There, visitors can find heritage seeds, gardening workshops, education and resources to grow food and foster community resilience, self-reliance and a culture of sharing. Seed borrowers are encouraged to record their seed "check outs" in paper logbooks.

Nov. 1, 2024 report

• There were 865 log entries in 2024 to date (Jan. 1 - Oct. 31), averaging around 86 log entries per month
• The seed lending libraries featured a wide variety of seeds in 2024, and nearly all varieties eventually found borrowers
• Flowers are among the most popular varieties, as are California Natives and easy fast-growing vegetables like tomatoes and beets.

The seed lending libraries are primarily supported by dedicated, hardworking volunteers who help to sort, label, and replenish the seeds, as well as to host monthly garden talk sessions and twice-yearly community seed swap events. Menlo Park Library Foundation provides funding support.

Go to the Seed Lending Library