The Clarendon Hills Public Library has a Seed Library that runs mid-March - November (or while supplies last).
What is a seed library?
A seed library is a place where people of all gardening levels can borrow, exchange, or donate seeds for growing plants.
What are the benefits of having a seed library at the library?
It’s a simple, low-risk way of letting community members try to grow something new! Borrow seeds, grow them, and then return some of the seeds from your harvested plants to replenish the library’s stock. This model promotes seed diversity, community engagement in gardening, and sustainability by encouraging the saving and sharing of seeds among local gardeners.
Where is the CHPL Seed Library located?
It is located on the library's Main Level on the slatwall kiosk by the Adult New Non-Fiction Books.
How does the CHPL Seed Library work?
Borrow: Choose what you would like to grow from our selection of fruit, vegetable, herb and flower seeds. Take up to 5 packets per person.
Grow: Plant and grow your seeds.
Return: Please consider harvesting the seeds from what you grow to donate back to the library for other community members to enjoy! Harvested seeds or any seed donations (no GMO or hybrid seeds) can be brought to the library's Front Desk. Please include plant name and growing information with any donated seeds.
What if I am interested but I have no gardening knowledge?
Check out books on gardening and seed harvesting in the 631.5 and 635 call number sections of the library's Adult Non-Fiction Books collection on the Second Level.
Gardening Books
Seed Harvesting Books
Initial funding for the Seed Library was provided by The Friends of the Clarendon Hills Public Library.
