Seed Library

Seed Library and Seed Saving Information

The Lebanon Public Library is excited to announce our very own Seed Library! A “seed library” is a program that lends or shares seeds, just like other library materials! However, unlike other library materials, our Seed Library operates on the “no return required” model. Therefore, seed saving and returns are not mandatory, but we do encourage all users to learn basic seed saving techniques.

The Lebanon Public Library Seed Library is a free program committed to serving our local community by offering seeds for planting, promoting and fostering agricultural education, and encouraging a culture of sharing.

Please browse our inventory to see what seeds we currently have in stock. You can find our seed inventory here:

Seed Library Inventory

**We try and update our inventory as often as possible, but please do be aware that some items may go quickly and this may not yet be reflected in our inventory. You can always call us during our open hours to inquire.**

Please note: ONLY seeds produced as certified organic will be listed as such. Unless official documentation ensuring organic certification is provided, we do not label them as organic.

Seed Check Out Form

If you would like to check out seeds from our Seed Library, please fully fill out a Seed Check Out Form and turn it in at the circulation desk before you check out the seeds. You can either print one off and bring it in when you pick up seeds, or you can get the form on site and fill it out at the Library while you get your seeds. Please do not hesitate to ask staff for assistance!

Currently, you can check out 5 packets of seeds per season, per person, while supplies last.

Seed Donation Form

If you would like to save seeds and/or donate them, please fill out a donation form, print it, and bring it with you when you donate the seeds. We also have hard copies of the seed donation form available at the Library. You can find the forms either by the Seed Library or at the circulation desk. Thank you for your support! Please remember to sign the donation form. We cannot accept seeds without the form being signed.

Please note: We cannot label your seed as officially “organic” unless we have seen official documentation designating the seeds as organic.

Seed Savers

Check out Seed Savers Exchange, where you can find information on gardening and seed saving, including helpful garden tips, how-to guides, and more resources.

Seed Saving Guide

The seed saving guide from the Organic Seed Alliance discusses the what, how, and when for planting, cultivating, harvesting, processing, and storing your seeds. This guide includes a crop specific chart with resources for additional information regarding seed saving.

Seed Saving Videos

Check out these videos from Seed Libraries to learn more about the basics of seed saving - including plant taxonomy, the difference between open-pollinated and hybrid seed, and understanding reproductive structures and pollination methods.

Gardening and Seed Saving

Check out Seed Libraries’ “Cool Beans!” newsletter for more information about seed saving (from and for your own garden).

Check with a seed saving chart or book to get proper isolation distances when growing and wanting to preserve seed. We recommend this chart from Seed Savers Exchange: https://www.seedsavers.org/seed-saving-chart and the book by Suzanne Ashworth, Seed To Seed.

Adaptive Seeds

Additionally one of our donors, Adaptive Seeds, lists how to save seeds on their website for many of their varieties.

Some Books About Seed Saving, Planting, and Growing from the Library’s Collection

• Saving Seeds: A Home Gardener's Guide to Preserving Plant Biodiversity by Dan Jason

• Seed to Seed: Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners by Suzanne Ashworth

• The New Seed-Starters Handbook by Nancy Bubel with Jean Nick

• How to Grow More Vegetables: (and fruits, nuts, berries, grains, and other crops) than you ever thought possible on less land than you can imagine by John Jeavons

• Plant Parenting: Easy Ways to Make More Houseplants, Vegetables, and Flowers by Leslie F. Halleck

• Backyard Bounty: The Complete Guide to Year-Round Gardening in the Pacific Northwest by Linda Gilkeson

• Plantiful: Start Small, Grow Big with 150 Plants that Spread, Self-Sow, and Overwinter by Kristin Green

• Perennials for the Pacific Northwest: 500 Best Plants for Flower Gardens by Marty Wingate

DISCLAIMER: At the Lebanon Public Library we try our best to ensure the quality of our seed by using best practices in inventory care and labeling. Nonetheless, seeds are alive and people using the Seed Library have varying degrees of skill in saving seeds. Therefore, the Library cannot guarantee the viability and/or purity of the seeds donated. This is a Library run project, and we do the best we can with the time and resources we have.

If you do have any problems with the seed you get from the Seed Library, please let us know so we can try to fix it for future users!

Thank you for your interest in the Lebanon Public Library Seed Library!