Seed Library
The Seed Library has returned for the 2025 growing season!
The Etna Library's Seed Library is a community project that connects patrons with a wide variety of free seeds that can be taken, grown, and shared. Seeds are available to browse in the library's card catalog (which was added to the building in the 1930s).
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With the Etna Library's beautiful rural setting, we feel that our library and a seed library are a perfect match!
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Some of our seeds are donated to the library by individuals and organizations such as the Hanover Conservancy, the Hanover Garden Club, and Seed Savers. Please see below for information on how you can help with donations.
How the Program Works
1. Browse the collection in person at the Etna Library and select the seeds you want to take home. All seeds are listed alphabetically on an inventory sheet so that you can easily scan what we have available.
2. All seed packets are in our card catalog, also in alphabetical order. You can take up to 2 seed packages per week. Cross off the type of seed packet(s) you take on the inventory sheet.
3. Plant and enjoy!
4. The seeds are completely free. You're not borrowing them - however, please do consider saving some seeds from what you grow to share back with the library. (See the 'Donating Seeds' instructions below).
Featured Seeds
Tomato
Nothing says summer like a homegrown tomato! Plant this warm season crop in a full sun garden bed.
Sunflowers
Sunflower seedlings grow quickly and add a little life and color to your yard or home garden. See below for specific instructions.
Basil
Basil is an annual herb that is most often green in color. It has a fragrant, sweet smell and peppery taste. It grows to between 30-60 centimeters tall.
More Resources
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The Seed Savers Exchange website is also a valuable source for gardening and seed saving information.
Donating Seeds
Many of the seeds in our collection are donated by individuals, organizations and businesses. Consider donating seeds or bringing some seeds back to share with others!
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We happily accept the following:
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Commercial seed packages, unopened or leftover.
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Seed you have harvested yourself that is clean and dry.
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Seeds for vegetables, flowers, herbs, trees, shrubs, and native species.
We cannot accept:
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Genetically modified seed
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Seeds from invasive species
Where possible, we prefer open-pollinated seed, since hybrid seed does not save true to type, and is not as useful for a seed library. We also encourage you to grow your seeds using organic gardening methods.
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How to donate:
Place seed in a sealable bag and hand to staff at the circulation desk. For seed you have collected yourself, or bulk seed, we ask that you also fill out a donation form with details about the seeds. You can print the form from our website, or ask staff to print one for you.
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We also accept monetary donations towards the operation of the Seed Library. Thank you for your help with this important program! Happy growing!