{"id":22,"date":"2018-11-18T21:05:19","date_gmt":"2018-11-18T21:05:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/miseedlibrary.org\/libraries\/"},"modified":"2024-10-31T20:55:58","modified_gmt":"2024-10-31T20:55:58","slug":"libraries","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/miseedlibrary.org\/?page_id=22","title":{"rendered":"Seed Libraries"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether you have a seed library or are learning about opening one, seed librarians are always happy to help! This page is for sharing resources, including handouts, brochures, seed library aids, or slides. We are also sharing library profiles and pictures for inspiration! If you have something you would like to share, please use the Contact Form<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For information and recordings of the recent and past Seed Library Summits: Michigan Seed Library Summit page<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following slides were part of a presentation to the Michigan Library Association on October 13, 2021. Feel free to use them as a guide for starting and managing a seed library or for presenting to your director or Library Board. Reconsidering the Seed Library<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I find seeds for my seed library? That is the question we are asked most often at MSLN. Sourcing Seed for your Seed Library<\/a> is here to help!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking for a presenter? Our MSLN Speaker Database<\/a> might be of help.
It is a work in progress, so if you are a garden speaker or you have hosted one at your facility, please add to our database. Please submit all pertinent information via our Contact Form<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Great work is being done on behalf of seed libraries all over the world! The Seed Library Network<\/a> (not to be confused with the MI Seed Library Network) is working to establish an international seed library database. The website is undergoing a reconstruction, but here are links to some of the important information available to seed libraries:
Homepage and Map<\/a> – click on the language of your choice and enter your library into the census
Subscribe to the Cool Beans Newsletter<\/a>
Up Beet! Seed Libraries Forum <\/a>
Seed Saving Posters <\/a>
Seed Saving Class Slides<\/a> – make a copy for yourself to use to educate patrons
Envelopes and Labels<\/a> – including a cool seed envelope wrapper

Going to Seed<\/a> is another organization with a number of valuable resources to aid seed libraries in their mission to distribute seeds and educate gardeners. With a focus an adaptive gardening and seed saving, the website is full of information and opportunities to grow as a seed saver. Seeds are available to order on a seasonal basis, and more good things are on the way. Just a few of the great features they offer:
Online Courses<\/a> – Adaptive Gardening is the recommended starting point
Discussion forums<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is some incredible work going on right here in Michigan! Please use the Resource Document below to begin documenting information about your own seeds. Peruse down the page to view some great examples of library practices here in the state.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Fillable Seed Resource Document <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Use the Resource Document to begin documenting information about your own seeds.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Examples from Libraries Around the State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Seed Database<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Tamarack District Seed Library<\/a> was established in the spring of 2016 and continues to provide quality programs that promote gardening and sustainable living. Much of TDL Seed Library\u2019s success is thanks to a fantastic, user-friendly database system. The system uses Excel to track pertinent seed information and then merges this information into Word or Publisher to create labels for individual seed envelopes and to create indexes for inventory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many successful systems \u2013 the best advice is to find one that is easy, cost-effective, and works for you! For some great ideas, check out these examples from Tamarack District Seed Library.
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Download – Database Example<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Herrick<\/figure>
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Large Opening<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In March 2017, the Herrick District Seed Library<\/a> had one of the largest and most successful seed library openings in Michigan. They anticipated moderate interest but their inaugural program with Ben Cohen drew 142 community members and wildly exceeded expectations. By the end of the first month, they had handed out over 2500 packets of seeds! So how did they do it? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out their info below: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Download<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Student Activities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Start Seeds\/Save Seeds<\/a> (S4) is a program that started in the Marquette area in 2015 to provide school garden support. The program offers educational materials and activities on transplants and seeds, and invites schools to trade seeds and stories at a community-wide Seed Swap in the fall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

S4 believes that \u201cSeed saving is one of the best ways to interact with the garden, because…<\/p>\n\n\n\n