We are pleased to offer a Seed Sharing Library at the Akron-Summit County Public Library. This project makes locally appropriate heirloom seeds available to local gardeners, community volunteers, children and library patrons. Share your garden plans or photos of seedlings and plants on Facebook and Instagram with #akronseedsharinglibrary.
Not sure how to get started? Try one of the following:
- Ohio State Extension Offices Ohioline bulletins
- Article from PennLive
- Email us at
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Step 1: Choosing Seeds
Our seeds are organized by the common name of the plant type (Beans, Carrots, Peas, etc.) Seeds are arranged alphabetically by their common name, then alphabetically by variety. For example: Common name – Cucumber Variety – National Pickling Cucumber
Simply select some seeds of plants you are interested in growing. You may wish to consult the seed packet copies and printed articles, as well as the books in the Seed Sharing Library display for planting details and suggestions of easy-to-grow varieties.
Within the seed packet binders, the seed variety sheets are also labeled in the upper right hand corner with “Easy,” “Medium,” or “Advanced.” This designation refers to how difficult it is to save seeds from the plant.
Step 2: Borrowing Seeds
Once you have identified the seeds you’d like to grow, simply fill out a form and turn it in to the Science & Technology desk . Please choose no more than 6 varieties to borrow at one time, and don’t forget to include your zip code. You may also include your name and e-mail address if you’d like us to contact you about future events and programs related to gardening and seed saving.
Each seed packet contains enough seed to start 3-5 plants.
On each packet you have selected, fill in the growing details for your seeds from the binder of original seed packet copies. You will especially want to know seed planting depth and spacing, and days to germination and to maturity.
Step 3: Get Growing!
Plant your seeds and enjoy your garden. We have a wealth of books on gardening for all sizes and types of gardens if you need information or inspiration, and the Science & Technology staff is always happy to help you locate books or other gardening information.
Step 4: Saving Seeds
We offer programs in the late summer on seed processing and storage. You can also take a look at some of our books on saving and storing seeds or these excellent resources provided by Seed Savers Exchange:
- General Seed Saving Resources
- Seed Saving Webinars
- Planning Your Garden for Seed Saving
Step 5: Sharing Seeds
Once you've saved seeds from your plants, bring some of your labeled seeds back to the library to perpetuate our collection and assure a variety of choices for next year’s crops. Please be sure seeds are completely dry and are packaged (zip-lock bags are ideal) and labeled for the variety and the year harvested.
