Whether you are just getting started or have an established seed library, this session offers practical tools to support your next steps. We will cover the foundational pieces of launching and managing a seed library—along with fresh ideas to help existing programs stay vibrant and responsive to community needs.

Participants will explore simple strategies for organizing collections, engaging volunteers, and offering meaningful programs that keep patrons connected to seeds, gardening, and local food systems. You will leave with adaptable resources, real-world examples, and inspiration to help maintain, strengthen, or expand your seed library with confidence.

Presented by:

• Rebecca Newburn, Founder of the Seed Library Network

Access recording

• View webinar recording

Webinar attachments

• View slides (pdf) 
  
• View chat (txt) 

Related resources and links

• Seed Library Network
• Seed Library Network Substack
• Seed Library Network LinkedIn 
• Seed library map 
• Seed Library Network Instagram 
• Professor Philip H. Howard writes about the global seed industry changes since 2013 
• Work party template
• Resources on obtaining seeds
• Resources about cabinets and storage systems
• Resources to consider about membership forms
• Resources about envelopes and labels
• Detailed instructions for the Automatic Seed Wrapper
• Seed Library Donation Policy Questionnaire
• Seed saving with kids resources
• Seed saving bookmarks
• Seed saving in community class: July 29th
• Past conference recordings
• Seed Matters Seed Saving and Seed Viability chart

From attendees: 

• Coin envelopes for packing
• Cleveland Seed Library distributes though libraries 
• Source for beautiful images for your program in the USDA Pomological Watercolors Collection
• Ohio legislation update on law removing barriers to seed sharing (January 2025)
• Database of therapeutic horticulture activities
• Sustainable Economies Law Center - Seed law resources
• The Ron Finley Project teaches communities how to transform food deserts into food sanctuaries, and teaches individuals how to regenerate their lands into creative business models.