Urbana Free Library’s Seed Lending Library is officially open for borrowing. With over 7,000 seeds available, you’re bound to find something you want to grow. At the end of the season, you can harvest seeds and “return” them to the library to replenish the supply for next year. (Don’t worry; you won’t be penalized if you don’t.)
Here are some more details, courtesy of Urbana Free Library:
What is a seed lending library? A seed library is a place where you can “check out” seeds and bring back new seeds from your harvest! The basic idea is that you take seeds from the lending library, plant them, grow the plants, let some go to seed, and then return some of these next-generation seeds for others to borrow. (Don’t worry, we don’t have fines if you don’t return seeds.) We also accept store-bought seeds! There is no cost to “check out” seeds.
The library is starting with seeds donated from Baker Creek Heirloom seeds and Sola Gratia farm through the Solidarity Gardens network in Urbana.
To “borrow” seeds check the Urbana Free Library website for the current list of seeds available, then either call the library at 367-4405 or email your request to reference@urbanafree.org. Please make sure to include your name, phone number, and number of seed packets you’d like. We will notify you when your order has been processed and is available. You can then either come to the library to pick up your seeds or call the library to set up a curbside pickup appointment.
Top image from the Urbana Free Library Facebook page.