Seed Library
Until recently, throughout history, people have cultivated gardens or farms for food and enjoyment. They would then save the seeds from what they grew to plant again the following year. We offer a chance to reclaim that tradition of seed saving.
A seed library is a self-perpetuating collection of seeds. This means it is sustained by donations of seeds that are carefully grown and saved for their flavor, productivity or hardiness. Seed libraries aren’t just a great source of free seeds for your garden - they protect plants, feed people and sustain our environment.
Looking to grow your own garden? We offer free seeds for your convenience and enjoyment! But please remember what you planted for seed saving in the fall, because we can only reach that ideal seed library with your help!
Seed Library FAQs
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A seed library is a self-perpetuating collection of seeds. This means it is sustained by donations of seeds that are carefully grown and saved for their flavor, productivity or hardiness. Seed libraries aren’t just a great source of free seeds for your garden - they protect plants, feed people and sustain our environment.
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Our Seed Libraries are located at our North Muskegon and Montague library branches. Each location may have slightly different seed collections to choose from. Patrons may “check out” seed packets from our collections by going to the branches and browsing the collection. If you can't make it to either of these branches, you can give either branch a call and our staff can have seeds sent to your closest branch for pickup. We encourage you to collect and donate seeds in the fall.
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We have many print materials available at the library with information about seed saving! We have also compiled information online from websites we like, if you prefer online sources.
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Both the North Muskegon and Montague branch libraries accept seed donations. Please fill out the donation form as thoroughly as you can and turn it in with your donation. Please thresh your seeds. Processing donations takes a lot of staff time, which can be saved if your donations are ready-to-plant and not still inside pods, fluff, wet, etc.
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Please contact our staff at our North Muskegon or Montague branch libraries.
Seed Library FAQs
-
A seed library is a self-perpetuating collection of seeds. This means it is sustained by donations of seeds that are carefully grown and saved for their flavor, productivity or hardiness. Seed libraries aren’t just a great source of free seeds for your garden - they protect plants, feed people and sustain our environment.
-
Our Seed Libraries are located at our North Muskegon and Montague library branches. Each location may have slightly different seed collections to choose from. Patrons may “check out” seed packets from our collections by going to the branches and browsing the collection. If you can't make it to either of these branches, you can give either branch a call and our staff can have seeds sent to your closest branch for pickup. We encourage you to collect and donate seeds in the fall.
-
We have many print materials available at the library with information about seed saving! We have also compiled information online from websites we like, if you prefer online sources.
-
Both the North Muskegon and Montague branch libraries accept seed donations. Please fill out the donation form as thoroughly as you can and turn it in with your donation. Please thresh your seeds. Processing donations takes a lot of staff time, which can be saved if your donations are ready-to-plant and not still inside pods, fluff, wet, etc.
-
Please contact our staff at our North Muskegon or Montague branch libraries.
Gardening Materials
Borrow
Checkout!
Patrons may “check out” seed packets from the library in the spring. MADL offers two Seed Library locations to better serve our community in North Muskegon & Montague. Each Location may have slightly different seed collections.
Seed Requests
You can always stop in to our North Muskegon or Montague Branch to browse our Seed Library but if you don't have time to stop in right now or are homed at another one of our branches, you may fill out the form below and we will make sure we set them aside for you to pick up at your convenience at your home library.
Seed Request Form
"*" indicates required fields
Grow
Ready, Set, Grow!
Are you ready to start growing your own garden? Checkout our resources to help you prepare. We have some great recommendations for websites, Books, eBooks, and Videos that can help get you started.
Ready, Set, Grow!
Are you ready to start growing your own garden? Checkout our resources to help you prepare. We have some great recommendations for websites, Books, eBooks, and Videos that can help get you started.
Growing Resources
Michigan: Zone 6 Planting Calendar
Seed Starting
H.O.P.E Gardens
Tough Gardening Questions? Ask the MSU Extension
Growing Resources
Michigan: Zone 6 Planting Calendar
Seed Starting
Reading Lists
Grow Your Own Groceries
General Gardening
Reading Lists
Grow Your Own Groceries
Save
Seed Saving Difficulty List
Seed Saving is important because you:
- Develop seeds that become acclimated to our local climate.
- Grow Plants that are more pest resistant
- Save money on seeds, plants, and your food budget
- Know where your food is coming from.
- They can support a healthy ecosystem by feeding pollinators like bees and birds.
- Plus, growing your own food is fun and delicious!
By saving seeds and exchanging them, you help add to the sustainability of our community. If you already have seeds, consider contributing to our seed library.
Ready to Donate?
We only accept openly pollinated and heirloom seeds. We do not knowingly accept hybrid, patented, or genetically modified seeds.
Once you are ready to donate please fill out the Seed Library Donation Form to the best of your ability and bring it with your donation to either the North Muskegon or Montague Branch Libraries.
Seed Saving Resources
Thank you to our Sponsors!
DO MORE...
...with MADL's online library.
