FRIENDS OF THE BEDFORD LIBRARY SEED LIBRARY

A seed library collects and stores seeds and shares them with members of the community for free. Seeds may be from regional seed companies, donated from gardeners who have grown locally adapted varieties of edibles, or wildflowers that serve as nectar and host plants for pollinators. Seed libraries encourage biodiversity and decrease our reliance on major seed companies. This helps combat seed monocultures which threaten the world’s food supply.

Similar to a normal library, gardeners “borrow” seeds from the seed library at planting time. At the end of the growing seasons, save the seeds from the plants and return a portion of the seeds to the library. 

Why seed libraries are important?

  • Three giant companies (control more than 60% of the world’s seed supply  Industrial monocultures = decreased biodiversity
  • Saving and sharing seeds, particularly locally adapted varieties, helps us build a more secure food supply
  • Providing seeds for free also encourages our community to learn and practice gardening and the art of growing your own food

Who may borrow seeds?

The Friends of the Bedford Library Seed Library will be available  to Bedford County and Town residents only. No library card is required to obtain seeds from the Seed Library. Seeds will be distributed on a first come, first served basis per household while supplies last. Since this is a new program, quantities may be limited until we ascertain which seeds are most preferred. We ask that you bear with us as this program unfolds.

This is a walk-in service only. Seed Packets cannot be mailed or held in reserve.

To receive seeds borrowers will fill out an order form available in the Second Floor Book Store in the library and submit to book shop staff. After orders are placed borrowers will be notified by email when they are ready for pickup.To receive seeds borrowers will fill out an order form available in the Second Floor Book Store in the library and submit to book shop staff. After orders are placed borrowers will be notified by email when they are ready for pickup.

Seed source:

Initially the seeds will be purchased from seed companies that offer open pollinated seeds. Our aim is to have enough seeds donated at the end of the growing season to reduce the amount we have to purchase.

  1. Each seed packet will vary in size depending on size of seeds, but most will be enough for 3- 5 plants.
  2. All seed packets are clearly marked with the plant name and year seeds were harvested.
  3. Edible plants should only be grown in soil that has been tested for heavy metals.
  4. Recipients may take any seeds available to plant and are not required to return unused seeds. However, the Library requests, but does not require, that seed recipients donate any unused seeds back to the Library or harvest any seeds from their garden at the end of the season to use the following season or to donate to the Library.
  5. If donating seeds to the Library, seed donors are requested to provide the following information about the donated seeds:
    a. Plant name.
    b. Year seeds were harvested.
    c. Donor    ’s name, phone/email (to answer any questions about the donated seeds).
    d. Whether the seeds are heirloom.
    e. Whether the seeds are organic.
  6. The Library cannot accept seeds that aren’t marked with items 5a and 5b, but will accept seed donations without the information in 5c – 5e.
  7. The Library cannot accept treated seeds, patented seeds , hybrid seeds or seeds protected by the Plant Variety Protection Act.
  8. The Library is not responsible for any liability, damages or expense resulting from use or misuse of seeds or for any loss resulting from use of any seed received from the Seed Library.
  9. Seeds are distributed on a first-come/first-served basis. No holds can be placed on anything from the Seed Library.
  10. Friends of the Library and Library staff are not available to provide instructions to seed recipients on proper use of seeds, or the planting of seeds, but seed packets will be labeled with relevant information and may include planting instructions.

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