After a successful debut year followed by a hiatus due to the pandemic, the Longmont Public Library’s Free Seed Library returns for another growing season. Many new and master gardeners discovered solace in their gardens last spring and summer, and the Free Seed Library is back with the goal of extending those good feelings to everyone interested in growing things. The collection is comprised of unopened, commercial seed packets no more than 5 years old and donated by patrons or purchased by the Friends of the Longmont Library, and is available for free to library patrons. The Free Seed Library offers a broad assortment of fruit, vegetable, and herb seeds, so every gardener can discover something fun to grow.
Longmont Library
The Free Seed Library is typically housed in an old card catalog stationed in the Library’s lobby during the growing season, but with the Library building still closed, Library staff have created a safe way to operate the Free Seed Library through their Curbside Delivery service. Those interested can place an order for up to six seed packets by calling 303-651-8472.
Librarians have also created booklists for children and adults focusing on growing and gardening, and patrons who grow the seeds are encouraged to submit photos via the Library social media platforms.
Unlike some free seed libraries, the Free Seed Library is not a seed exchange, and the Library can only accept unopened, commercial seed packets as donations to the collection. Seed suppliers are not permitted to sell seed packets from the previous growing season because they are not expected to be 100% viable, so millions of seeds go to waste each year. The Longmont Free Seed Library aims to minimize that waste and maximize the savings and fun for local gardeners.