Seed Libraries in Missouri

A story in Springfield News-Leader (paywall) about the Springfield-Greene County Library’s Heirloom Seed Library caught my attention. Cardholders may “check out” up to four seed packets from the Heirloom Seed Library, available at six library branches, per visit, just like books. The goal is for patrons to plant seeds and later harvest seeds to replenish the library’s supply.

It’s a great idea, so I looked to see if there were similar programs in Missouri. Yes! Some require a library card, others do not. Some encourage seed saving and sharing with the library, others do not. Some require your participation in other activities, others do not.

Buchanan County: St. Joseph Public Library Seed Library

Cape, Perry and Scott Counties: Riverside Regional Library Seed Library

Jefferson County Public Library Seed Library

Kansas City Public Library’s Seed Library at Ruiz Branch. There’s also Kansas City Seed Library is run by SeedSavers-KC and located at the The Missouri Department of Conservation’s Anita B Gorman Discovery Center.

Monroe and Randolph Counties: Little Dixie Regional Libraries Seed Library

Phelps County: Rolla Public Library Seed Library

St. Francois County: Farmington Public Library Seed Library

St. Louis County: Maplewood Public Library is home to Maplewood Richmond Heights Middle School’s Gro Mo Seed Library

Not an extensive search on my party. Bet there are more libraries, schools, nonprofits providing free seeds and encouraging a share of seed harvest.

Not finding any Seed Libraries in St. Louis City was a bit of a surprise and certainly a disappointment. Searched hard on that. Found Seed Swaps at libraries, but no ongoing seed check out program.