What is the Seed Library
WELCOME!
HBPL Seed Library provides seeds to HBPL cardholders. Patrons can check out up to 10 seed packets per month to grow in their home gardens. At the end of the season, we encourage you to let a few plants go to seed and donate the seeds back to the seed library for others to use. This creates a sustainable and diverse stock of seeds for our community to use.
Most seeds provided are purchased through our library's program funding. Seeds of Change has generously donated a variety of lettuces, roots, herbs, etc. Any packet marked "Seeds of Change" on the packing label is USDA Certified Organic. Most Native California seeds are donated by Shipley Nature Center. In addition, some local native nurseries donate to our Native California collection.
Although we do accept patron seed donations with gratitude, there is no guarantee that the seeds will be offered or appropriate for HBPL seed library. Please make that seeds are completely dry and sealed in an envelope or reclosable plastic bag and labeled clearly with the exact name of the plant. For example: "Lettuce" is not labeled correctly. A correct label would show what kind of lettuce is being donated such as "Buttercrunch Lettuce". Our volunteer seed librarians evaluate all donations in order to decide which seeds will be added to the seed library.
Seed libraries are at all HBPL locations and are seasonally stocked. For more detailed information, "Local Links" and "Informational Resources" menus are located on the right side of this page.
We also provide classes on gardening and seed saving. All of these services are free.
Let's grow things!
Upcoming Events
Fall, winter, spring and year round seeds are now in our stock. Keep an eye out for seasonal flowers, herbs, roots and vegetables and, of course, the seed librarian's pick drawer filled with limited stock offerings. We have also added some USDA Organic Seeds generously donated by Seeds of Change (packs are labeled "Seeds of Change" on the bottom left-hand corner of the label card.
Visit any HBPL location to see what's come in. We have Thai Basil, Catnip, Cumin and other herbs. We have added some greens as well as onion varieties. And for the flower lovers out there, seasonal flower seeds are available. Take a peek at our Native California selection. Seeds are available during individual planting times. Native California seeds are generously donated by Shipley Nature Center and other local entities. Visit shipleynature.org to learn more about California native plants along with other local links provided in the right hand menu of this page. Happy planting!
Recommended Reading
Iwigara : American Indian Ethnobotanical Traditions and Science by Call Number: 581.63 SALPublication Date: 2020
Bountiful by Call Number: 641.65 POR
The Complete Guide to Saving Seeds by Call Number: 631.521 GOU
The Manual of Seed Saving by Call Number: 635 HEI
Saving Seeds by Call Number: 635.0421 ROG
Gathering by Call Number: 92 Ottwhealy, D.
Search our Catalog to discover great collections of gardening titles.
How To Borrow Seeds
- Visit Central Library. The Seed Library is located by the Information Desk on the main floor.
- Choose up to 10 seed packets per month.
- Take your seed packets to the Information Desk right next to the seed library. Library staff will check the seeds out for you.
- If no one is at the Information Desk, take the seeds to the Borrower Services Desk and they will check them out to you.
- You don't need to return the same seeds (or any seeds, but we encourage it!). There are no due dates and you will never accrue any late fees.
- Repeat every 30 days.
What Do You Think?
Garden Gallery
Oak View Branch
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Rocket Larkspur planted in spring.
Peas
"This is the second year of the peas from the seed library. We grew them last year and they reseeded themselves."
Harvest
Peas
Nasturtium
Nasturtium
"Thanks, the library gave us something to do as a family with teens - that’s a feat!"
Marigold From Seed
"Just wanted to say thank you for making the seed library possible. Here a couple photos of some Marigold I got from the library a couple months back. Biggest marigold I've ever seen and can't believe they're from seed!"
Tiny Harvest
"My tiny harvest! Serrano peppers (great spice) and heirloom tomatoes (so delicious).
Thank you seed library!"
“Thank you so much for having this program at the library. It has been so fruitful for us. Growing from seed gives us endless pleasure and edification (not to mention sustenance and beauty)….We’ve even started our own seed library at home, where we try to store and organize seeds in a similar way as to the HBPL. We’ve also, taught ourselves how to collect some of the seeds, and have happily spread the seeds, and the word, to family and friends. The depths of the utility of urban farming, curtesy of your seeds never seems to end, as we have even started drying our chamomile to make tea and plan on using our pumpkin for pie. Thank you again! What a brilliant idea and stellar execution. Thank you and Sincerely, Erik”
Lettuce
"...another picture of the developing lettuce grown from the seedlings checked out from the Seed Library".
Serrano Chile
I am a few days from being able to harvest some serrano peppers, which are from the Seed Library program! It was about a year or so wait but it has been so fun seeing it grow
Share Your Garden
Local Links
- Shipley Nature CenterLocated in Huntington Central Park West, visitors can learn and explore plant and animal life native to the local area.
- Sherman Library and GardensLocated in Corona Del Mar, Sherman Library and Gardens offers several different types of gardens, classes and events, dining and a gift shop.
- Centennial FarmThree acre working farm located on OC Fairgrounds.
- Tree of Life NurseryThis San Juan Capistrano Nursery offers California native plants and seeds, workshops, events and more.
- Casa Romantica Cultural Center and GardensCasa Romantica is a 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival registered historic landmark with educational and entertainment opportunities.
- Great Park Farm and Food LabAs part of Irvine's Great Park, the Farm and Food lab offers many hands-on educational opportunities.
- Orange County Chapter California Native Plant SocietyInformation, field trips, etc.
Informational Resources
- The Old Farmer's AlmanacGrowing Guides
- Seed Savers Exchange"Expand your gardening and seed saving know-how with helpful garden tips, how-to guides, and more resources."
- The Best Gardening Databases on the NetA collection of databases covering the categories of botany, floriculture, flowers, plants, trees, etc.
Thank You!
