The Pima County Public Library has edible, decorative, and herb seed varieties available for the people of Pima County to "borrow." Community members are able to come in to the library and check-out open-pollinated, heirloom seeds to take home and grow. We hope that seed borrowers will harvest some seeds from their plants, keeping a portion for themselves and returning a portion back to the Seed L
ibrary for others to enjoy--this way, the Seed Library will become self-sustaining over time. Locations:
Dusenberry-River Library
Flowing Wells Library
Himmel Park Library
Joel D Valdez Main Library
Martha Cooper Library
Oro Valley Library
Quincie Douglas Library
Salazar-Ajo Library
If your library isn't listed here, you are able to request that seeds to be sent to your home libraries for pick-up. One of the Seed Library's missions is to support Seed Library users and gardeners, from beginner to expert, through the process of growing, harvesting, and seed saving. Through our partnerships with community agencies such as Native Seeds/SEARCH, the Community Food Bank and the Pima Cooperative Extension's Master Gardeners we will offer a variety of free gardening and seed saving programs throughout the year. Anyone with a Pima County Public Library card will be able to have access to the seeds in the Seed Library. And as always, anyone with or without a library card, will be able to attend any of the library programs we present. Here's how the Seed Library started: https://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/a-seed-library-comes-to-the-old-pueblo/
The seeds that make-up the collection have come to us all through donation, with a larger portion of the seeds coming from national seed companies that have seed donation programs in place. We'd especially like to acknowledge Aravaipa Heirlooms, BBB Seeds, Botanical Interests, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, High Mowing Organic Seeds, Seed Savers Exchange, Garden Medicinals & Culinaries, Gardens of California, and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. Thanks to the many other businesses and individuals who have contributed. We are always seeking donations of open-pollinated, heirloom seeds from anyone in the community that is willing to share their seeds with the rest of the community. We will accept whatever quantities community members are willing to share. Big thanks to Native Seeds/SEARCH, the Community Food Bank, and the UA Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners! We also want to acknowledge the Seed Library trailblazers that inspired us and helped paved the way for Pima County's Seed Lending Library, most notably Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library (and the rockin' Rebecca Newburn), as well as the great folks at Westcliff Seed Lending Library, both generously mentored us through this process. Pima County Public Library staff Justine, Lisa, Susannah, Kelly, and Linda are all writing for this Page. Commenting and posting guidelines for the public: http://www.library.pima.gov/social-media-community-guidelines/
