Seed Library

The Montclair Public Library makes available a variety of different seeds in packets for distribution at no cost to anyone. Such packets of seeds are collectively called our “Seed Library.” The purpose of the Seed Library is to foster self-reliance and resilience in our community, and the Library tries to focus the contents of the Seed Library on native plants, pollinators, and edible plants (vegetables, fruits herbs, etc.), with the goal of preventing hunger and promoting nutrition by providing seeds and educational materials to help seed recipients grow seeds into plants.

Currently, the Seed Library is only available at the Bellevue Avenue Branch. See a list of available seeds.

Regulations

1. No library card is required for anyone to obtain seeds from the Seed Library.
2. All seed recipients shall be limited to not more than three (3) seed packets per visit.
3. Each seed packet will vary in size depending on size of seeds, but most will be enough for a small plot.
4. Seed availability is dependent on many factors, so interested persons are encouraged to visit the Bellevue Avenue Branch for the most up-to-date information on what seeds are available.
5. All seed packets are clearly marked with the plant name and year seeds were harvested. Additional information such as heirloom, organic, type of yearly growth, and the best months for growing are indicated, if possible.
6. Edible plants should only be grown in soil that has been tested for heavy metals.
7. Recipients may take any seeds available to plant and are not required to return unused seeds. However, the Library requests, but does not require, that seed recipients donate any unused seeds back to the Library or harvest any seeds from their garden at the end of the season to use the following season or to donate to the Library.
8. If donating seeds to the Library, seed donors are requested to provide the following information about the donated seeds:
   a. Plant name.
   b. Year seeds were harvested.
   c. Donor’s name, phone/email (to answer any questions about the donated seeds).
   d. Whether the seeds are heirloom.
   e. Whether the seeds are organic.
9. The Library cannot accept seeds that aren’t marked with items 8a and 8b, but will accept seed donations without the information in 8c – 8e.
10. The Library cannot accept treated seeds, patented seeds or seeds protected by the Plant Variety Protection Act.
11. Seed recipients are responsible for planting, maintaining and discarding their seeds and any plants resulting from the seeds.
12. The Library is not responsible for any liability, damages or expense resulting from use or misuse of seeds or for any loss resulting from use of any seed received from the Seed Library.
13. Seeds are distributed on a first-come/first-served basis. No holds can be placed on anything from the Seed Library.
14. Library staff are not available to provide instructions to seed recipients on proper use of seeds, or the planting of seeds, but seed packets will be labeled with relevant information and may include planting instructions.

We would like to thank the Friends of Bellevue Avenue Library for their generous donation. Other donations include: Hudson Valley Seed Company.