Announcing an exciting new project: Cosmos Library has a seed library! It’s small, just a box at the front desk. You’ll get a few seeds so that you can try gardening as a beginner even with only a container or a small patch of ground, or so that you can try some new varieties of plants if you are an experienced gardener. It’s a chance to learn something new for free.

Who can borrow seeds?

Anyone can take seeds from the seed library, even if they don’t have a library card.

How many can I take?

Each library visitor may take up to 4 small packets of seeds per week, while supplies last.

Are they full-sized seed packets?

No, you’ll take only a few seeds or a pinch of tiny seeds per envelope. The seed library is intended to give people a chance to try gardening, try a new type of plant, or expand the variety in their garden.

Do I need to return seeds to the library?

No, you aren’t required to save seeds from your plants and return them. But if you grow an heirloom or open-pollinated variety and you do save the seeds, it would be wonderful if you bring some back to the library in a labeled envelope at the end of the season. The envelope should be sealed and labeled with the plant name, the variety, and the year of harvest, and the seeds should be thoroughly dried.

I have extra seeds from planting my garden. Will you take them for the library?

Yes! We accept donations of opened or unopened seed packets you have purchased, and envelopes of saved seeds from your open-pollinated plants, labeled with the contents. No potatoes or live plants, please.

I’m new to gardening. What’s easy to grow?

Beans, peas, squash, lettuce, spinach, carrots, radishes, basil, parsley, sunflowers, zinnias, and marigolds are all good choices.

Who should I thank for this new resource?

Thank you to the Lake Elizabeth Green Thumb Garden Club and Hope Blooms Flower Farm for their donations and organization of this project!