by Natalya Andrex
The Red Bank public library started a seed library to promote sustainability of plants and pollinators, reintroduce and grow native plants, and prevent hunger and promote nutrition by enabling people of all income levels to grow their own food. We’re hoping that by providing a place for people to get free seeds to plant, we can come closer to meeting these goals!
The seed library is physically located in the back of the Red Bank library's first floor, by the YA section. It’s available year round to look through, so you can check it out as early in the gardening season as you’d like!
If you’re a newer gardener and feel unsure about how to go about finding what you want in the seed library, not to worry! We have simple instructions in English and Spanish to help you find what you’re looking for. You can find the instructions next to the seed library, or online.
The seed library also has an online catalog of all the available seeds, so you can always check on our website before dropping in to get seeds! We keep a list of all the different known varieties of seeds we have, and also some simple growing instructions for each type of plant. However since the instructions are basic, we suggest doing your own research for whichever seeds you choose to grow.
Some common questions about the seed library:
Are the seeds free?
Yes! All seeds are free to take, and you don’t need to be a part of the library/have a library card to take seeds.
Do I have to bring seeds back next year?
Nope. Some seed libraries might ask you to, but here at the Red Bank seed library you don’t have to bring seeds back.
What kind of seeds do you have?
Currently the seed library is sorted by vegetable, flower, and herb seeds. Most of our seeds are for annual vegetables and flowers.
Can I see what seeds are available before I come to the Red Bank Public Library?
Yes! Recently we were able to add a live updating seed list to our website. Please check out this link Red Bank Seed Library information to see what seeds we currently have available at the library.
Do you accept seed donations?
Yes! We function primarily by accepting donated seeds, we will accept any seeds but are most interested in native plants or edible plants. Check out our seed library page on our website for more details about donating seeds. We accept seed donations at the front desk, or if we’re not open in the blue seed drop box on our front porch.