Welcome to the Akron-Summit County Public Library Seed Sharing Library.

Step 1: Choosing Seeds

Our seedsare organized first by how difficult the seeds are to save (not to grow!) You may choose from “Easy,” “Medium,” or “Advanced” seeds. This designation refers to how difficult it is to save seeds “true to type”.

Within each group the seeds are arranged alphabetically by their common name, then alphabetically by variety.
For example: Common name – Cucumber
Variety – National Pickling Cucumber

If you’re new to gardening, simply select some seeds of plants you are interested in growing. Focus on having fun and learning to garden. Seed Saving and Sharing can come later. You may wish to consult the seed packet copies and printed articles in the blue binder, as well as the books in the Seed Sharing Library display about getting started with your garden and for suggestions of easy to grow varieties.

Step 2: Borrowing Seeds

Once you have identified the seeds you’d like to grow, simply fill out a form from the orange box. Please choose no more than 6 varieties to borrow, and don’t forget to include your zip code. You may also include your name if you’d like us to contact you about future events and programs related to gardening and seed saving.

On each packet you’ve selected, fill in the growing details for your selected seeds from the blue binder of original seed packet copies. You’ll especially want to know seed planting depth and spacing, and days to germination and to maturity. The seed packets contain enough seed to start 3-5 plants. You can borrow up to 6 packets each month. Turn in your competed form to the Science & Technology desk. There are no due dates or overdue fines.

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. Take a look at the books in the 635 call number area if you need information or inspiration! Email us pictures of your garden at the address below!

Step 4: Saving Seeds

We’ll be offering programs later in the summer on seed processing and storage. Come back to learn how to prepare and store seeds for next year.

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.

Science & Technology Division
60 S High St., Akron OH 44326
Phone: 330-643-9075
E-mail: