Hi Helena and Mariele, Happy to answer your questions about seed libraries. We divide and repackage most of our seeds, but quantity depends on the kind of seed. For larger seeds that are easy to count, like beans and squash, about 6-12 seeds per pack. Some more 'rare' seeds it may average less per pack so that I can get them out to more growers. For others that I have a large quantity of, it can average more. For small seeds that are harder to count, like mint or chamomile, I will pour out a commercial packet and divide them into smaller piles. I find an index card works well for this. I also use a pill counter tray. We accept donations — home grown seed, commercial packs, opened packages, leftovers. We try to encourage seed saving and home grown seed, as well as any open-pollinated seed. [A logo for a library Description automatically generated] Aubrey Franklin (she/her/hers) Adult Services Librarian (734) 326-6123 ext 2846 6123 Central City Parkway, Westland, MI 48185 westlandlibrary.org<http://westlandlibrary.org/> ________________________________ From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> on behalf of Tarra Gamelin via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 1:49 PM To: Helena Hayes <helena.hayes@gcmdl.org>; North Adams Library <northadamslibrarian@gmail.com> Cc: Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Seed library - how many seeds We put about 10 seeds per pack. We also accept donations of seeds. We allow all of the types that you referenced in your email: unopened, from own garden, and leftovers. I hope this helps! Tarra Gamelin Director Spies Public Library 940 First Street Menominee, MI 49858 906.863.3911 ________________________________ From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> on behalf of North Adams Library via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 12:41 PM To: Helena Hayes <helena.hayes@gcmdl.org> Cc: Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Seed library - how many seeds If your library offers a Seed Library, do you accept donations of seeds as part of the program? And if so, what kinds are accepted? -Seeds in an unopened packet -Seeds from your own garden -Seeds that remain from the original packets you pick up at the library? Thank you! Mariele Mariele Busch Library Director North Adams Community Memorial Library 4695 Knowles Rd, North Adams 517-287-4426 northadamslibrarian@gmail.com<mailto:northadamslibrarian@gmail.com> On Tue, Mar 11, 2025 at 9:02 PM Helena Hayes via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l@mcls.org>> wrote: For those of you who have a seed library, how many seeds do you include in each pack? Thanks. Helena Helena Hayes, MLIS Director Galesburg Charleston Memorial District Library 188 E. Michigan Ave. Galesburg, MI 49053 Phone: 269-665-7839 Fax: 269-665-7788 www.galesburgcharlestonlibrary.org<https://www.galesburgcharlestonlibrary.org/> _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org<mailto:Michlib-l@mcls.org> https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l

Happy to jump in on this! At my seed library we accept donations from businesses, seed companies, seed swaps, and home gardeners. Part of the mission of our seed library is to educate the public about saving seeds and encouraging them to grow for the seed library to help it become self-sustaining. The amount of donations ebbs and flows, but has been quite strong the last few years. We support the seed library with lots of programming. I try to estimate how many seeds per packet based on how many seeds will produce something to eat and hopefully they can save a few seeds and increase the quantity. These are sample packets, not enough to grow a giant garden. We have to share the wealth with as many people as possible. Beans and peas 20 per pack. Same for corn, enough to grow a block of (4) 4' rows Squash, cucumbers, melons - enough for 2 hills or 4 feet of trellis so about 10 seeds Packets of small seeds like carrots and lettuce get a healthy pinch that usually has 30-40 seeds Beets, chard, parsnips around 16-20, enough for a 4' row. Okra, roselle, sunflowers 10 or so. Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, peppers: 8-12 Most flowers at least 10-15. Scarce items less, but if you get a gallon ziploc of something you can be more generous or share with another seed library. -- Pam Quackenbush Lyon Township Public Library 27005 Milford Road South Lyon, MI 48178 248-437-8800 ext 617 pquackenbush@ltpl.org On Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 1:42 PM North Adams Library via Michlib-l < michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:

If your library offers a Seed Library, do you accept donations of seeds as part of the program?

And if so, what kinds are accepted? -Seeds in an unopened packet -Seeds from your own garden -Seeds that remain from the original packets you pick up at the library?

Thank you! Mariele

Mariele Busch Library Director North Adams Community Memorial Library 4695 Knowles Rd, North Adams 517-287-4426 northadamslibrarian@gmail.com

On Tue, Mar 11, 2025 at 9:02 PM Helena Hayes via Michlib-l < michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:

...

For those of you who have a seed library, how many seeds do you include in each pack?

Thanks.

Helena

Helena Hayes, MLIS

Director

Galesburg Charleston Memorial District Library

188 E. Michigan Ave.

Galesburg, MI 49053

Phone: 269-665-7839

Fax: 269-665-7788

www.galesburgcharlestonlibrary.org _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l

_______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l

Wendy makes a good point. It is difficult when requesting seeds from seed companies to specify that you only want open-pollinated seeds. Consequently, we end up with some every year. There is nothing inherently wrong with hybrids other than from a seed-saving standpoint, so if I put them in the seed library I just put a little sticker on it saying "Hybrid seeds - Not for seed saving." Same as when I get a donation of, say, butternut squash. Did that person use proper isolation techniques? If I don't know for sure, there's another sticker for that: "Possible cross - may not be true to type." Some people don't mind the adventure of seeing what will grow. Pam Quackenbush Lyon Township Public Library 27005 Milford Road South Lyon, MI 48178 248-437-8800 ext 617 pquackenbush@ltpl.org On Thu, Mar 20, 2025 at 11:34 AM Wendy Chapman < w.chapman@buchananlibrary.org> wrote:

Hello all,

I wanted to add just one thing that I have chosen to do with our seed library here. We do not accept donations of any hybrid seeds. The reason for this is that seeds produced by hybrid plants will not necessarily grow true to type the following season. So, to avoid any confusion since our purpose is to teach seed saving and sustainability with our programming we don't muddy the waters. Hybrid seeds should be clearly identified on commercial packaging with either an F1 or F2 in the name of the seed. Here is an example of something I would not purchase or accept as a donation:

https://trueleafmarket.com/products/tomato-seeds-celebration-f1?variant=39456157171827&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-e6-BhDmARIsAOxxlxX6L-hXMKKFBDk-nEr4PNkovXr1laGzs2CbXn3CfGBjeytymGRId4gaAnfvEALw_wcB

I think in the three seasons we have had a seed library this has only come up once, but still something to be aware of as you develop your procedure.

Happy Planting!

Wendy

Wendy L. Chapman LoT Coordinator Buchanan District Library 269.695.3681 Ext. 16 *www.buchananlibrary.org <http://www.buchananlibrary.org>*

On Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 9:01 PM Pam Quackenbush via Michlib-l < michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:

...

Happy to jump in on this! At my seed library we accept donations from businesses, seed companies, seed swaps, and home gardeners. Part of the mission of our seed library is to educate the public about saving seeds and encouraging them to grow for the seed library to help it become self-sustaining. The amount of donations ebbs and flows, but has been quite strong the last few years. We support the seed library with lots of programming.

I try to estimate how many seeds per packet based on how many seeds will produce something to eat and hopefully they can save a few seeds and increase the quantity. These are sample packets, not enough to grow a giant garden. We have to share the wealth with as many people as possible. Beans and peas 20 per pack. Same for corn, enough to grow a block of (4) 4' rows Squash, cucumbers, melons - enough for 2 hills or 4 feet of trellis so about 10 seeds Packets of small seeds like carrots and lettuce get a healthy pinch that usually has 30-40 seeds Beets, chard, parsnips around 16-20, enough for a 4' row. Okra, roselle, sunflowers 10 or so. Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, peppers: 8-12 Most flowers at least 10-15. Scarce items less, but if you get a gallon ziploc of something you can be more generous or share with another seed library.

-- Pam Quackenbush Lyon Township Public Library 27005 Milford Road South Lyon, MI 48178 248-437-8800 ext 617 pquackenbush@ltpl.org

On Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 1:42 PM North Adams Library via Michlib-l < michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:

...

If your library offers a Seed Library, do you accept donations of seeds as part of the program?

And if so, what kinds are accepted? -Seeds in an unopened packet -Seeds from your own garden -Seeds that remain from the original packets you pick up at the library?

Thank you! Mariele

Mariele Busch Library Director North Adams Community Memorial Library 4695 Knowles Rd, North Adams 517-287-4426 northadamslibrarian@gmail.com

On Tue, Mar 11, 2025 at 9:02 PM Helena Hayes via Michlib-l < michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:

...

For those of you who have a seed library, how many seeds do you include in each pack?

Thanks.

Helena

Helena Hayes, MLIS

Director

Galesburg Charleston Memorial District Library

188 E. Michigan Ave.

Galesburg, MI 49053

Phone: 269-665-7839

Fax: 269-665-7788

www.galesburgcharlestonlibrary.org _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l

_______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l

_______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l