About Seed Library Map

Seed Library Map is a directory and map of seed libraries in the United States: places, mostly in public libraries, where gardeners can borrow seed. For each library with a page it shows what the listing says about its borrowing rules, so you can see before you go whether a library card is needed, whether it is self-serve, how much you can take and whether you are asked to bring seed back.

What we show

1,979 seed libraries are listed across the 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico. A listing that states at least one borrowing rule gets its own page with those rules, as listed. Listings that state no rule appear in the lists and on the map without a page of their own. Where a listing has a map position, the page shows it on a map; where it has none, the page says so.

How to read the rules

• A rule is shown only when the listing states it. “Not listed” means the listing does not say, not that there is no rule.
• Quoted lines, such as how much you can take or the season, are shown as the listing words them.
• A shared program is not expanded into its branches: each page shows what its own listing says.
• Distances are straight-line miles from your position, not driving or walking routes.

Rules can change by season. Check with the library before you go.

What we do not show

• Whether a library has seed in stock, is open today or still runs the program.
• Opening hours, phone numbers or ratings.
• Anything that is not in the listing: we do not turn general advice into a library's rule.

Pages appear in stages

The site is published in batches. A library gets its own page when its batch is released, and states, counties and cities get a page once at least three of their libraries have one. Every library with a map position is on the map.

Where the data comes from

The sources are listed in one place, the privacy policy.

Mistakes and questions

Write to support@seedlibrarymap.cc, or see the contact page.