Cool Beans! Seed Library Network

Get on the Seed Library Map!

We are in the midst of an exciting project: a seed library census that is slowly creating a digital map of the world’s seed libraries! Working off the list of over 2600 entries of seed libraries collected over the last decade, a group of volunteers is sending an email to each email address listed and requesting that they complete the short census form. The project’s focus is on currently active seed libraries. 

The census is available in fourteen languages. (See below)

Can you help us spread the word?

If you manage a seed library and haven’t received the Seed Library Census email, check your Spam or Promo folders. The emails were sent from volunteers’ email addresses so they may have been directed to these folders because of unfamiliar addresses.

If you know of other seed libraries in your area, please forward the email with the census link to them. This includes schools, county Extensions, non-profits, farms, or community seed libraries.They should be currently active in lending free seeds to their communities.

Do you have multiple seed library branches?

We ask that you fill in the census for each branch. Make your work easy by only answering Section 2 (i.e., seed collection, resources & needs) the first time you fill in the census. For the other branches, you only need to fill in Section 1(i.e., name, address, type of location), and add a photo (optional and only available for Google emails.

Take a photo of your seed library (preferably of the actual seed library, not the building) add the text “Get Your Seed Library on the Map!” and post it on social media with a link to the census form, bit.ly/seedcensus. Be sure to tag us @seedlibraries.

Why are we doing a seed census?

Seed libraries are popping up throughout our global community and there is much wisdom to be shared. Seed librarians and gardeners know that developing a local seed economy serves many in their communities, creates regionally climate-adapted seed collections, and maintains access to a genetically diverse supply of open-pollinated seeds.

Our goal is to build a network where seed librarians can share their experiences and knowledge with others and nurture the continued development of seed libraries throughout the world.

Languages

We apologize for only being able to offer this census in several languages and acknowledge that some of these languages are part of a history of oppression and colonization. Please feel free to fill in the form in a language that best meets the needs of your community. If you have any questions, comments, or corrections about the census, please email us.

Documentary: Gardening in a War Zone

This powerful 30-minute documentary sparks both inspiration and sadness. It features a young Ukrainian gardener who saves and sells seeds from her garden to support her small family while living under the daily threats of war.

Update on Cool Beans! Newsletter

This newsletter has been on hiatus but it is back in production starting with this edition. Once the census project has been completed, we will return to regular programming about all things seed libraries.

We are seeking network members who are interested in joining a newsletter editorial team. The team would guide the content of the Network’s newsletter. If interested, send a note seedlibraries@gmail.com

You can stay connected to the seed library community by joining the UpBeet! Seed Libraries Online Forum. You can ask questions and share inspiration. Recent topics include digital cataloging, seed sources, processes for seed libraries, and of course, the census project.

Stay Connected -

Be UpBeet!

Stay involved in the seed library community and get your questions answered or share resources on our free, online forum UpBeet! Sign up on the SeedLibraries.net homepage or go to seedlibraries.groups.io/g/main.

As we embark on our first Global Seed Library Census from January 1 to March 30, 2024, we're raising funds for translation services. This ensures inclusivity and wider participation, recognizing the diverse linguistic needs of our global community. Your contribution will help us accurately map and connect seed libraries worldwide, understand their unique needs, and identify trends in local seed-saving efforts.

Mission 

The Seed Library Network: Cultivating Community Seed Libraries and Seed Sovereignty.

Vision

A robust seed library in every community that is accessible to all and that honors the wisdom of the seeds and their keepers.