The Spanish Fork Seed Library
Located on the 2nd floor by the study rooms, in the Home & Garden section
Free to use, no library card needed
Thanks to generous donations from local and national businesses and individuals, the Spanish Fork Library is able to run a free-to-everyone seed library for local use. We hope to improve information and access to gardening, food, and the seeds that make those things happen.
How it works
The Seed Library is self serve! All you have to do is go the library, pick out what seeds you'd like to check out, and then fill out a form so we can keep track of usage statistics for our sponsors.
Seed Library FAQs
What is a seed library?
A seed library is a collection of various seeds donated by the community to help improve seed resilience and local plant varieties over time. Our Seed Library exists to encourage growth of local plant varieties, cultivate a community of sharing, and address food scarcity in the community. It's open to gardeners of all skill levels and ages, including those who want to give it a go and have never tried before!
Are there limits to checking out seeds?
We operate on an honor system, so all we ask is that you take what you'll plant. If you end up having extras of any seeds you checked out, you're welcome to bring them back!
How do you "check out" seeds anyway?
It's true that you can't return seeds like you would a book or a movie. However, when you plant and your plant grows then turns to seed, we ask that you donate a portion of those seeds back to the library. That will help us cultivate stronger plants that survive better over time! You can join in on our yearly seed saving classes or check out USU extension's guide on saving seeds online.
Are there limits to checking out seeds?
We operate on an honor system, so all we ask is that you take what you'll plant. If you end up having extras of any seeds you checked out, you're welcome to bring them back!
How do you "check out" seeds anyway?
It's true that you can't return seeds like you would a book or a movie. However, when you plant and your plant grows then turns to seed, we ask that you donate a portion of those seeds back to the library. That will help us cultivate stronger plants that survive better over time! You can join in on our yearly seed saving classes or check out USU extension's guide on saving seeds online.
I've heard that we have a community garden. Where is it?
The Spanish Fork Community Garden is run by Community Action of Utah County. It's located at 789 W Center Street, just north of the police station and near the farmer's market. The library has two teaching plots there so we can host classes and programs!
Do you have a seed catalog?
Not at this time, but we're hoping to get one soon!
Do I need a Spanish Fork Library card to get seeds?
Nope! It's free and open to everyone, no card needed. We just ask for your email so you can get updates on seed saving and seed swaps when we start up our newsletter.
Can I donate seeds to the library?
Yes, please! You can drop off seeds at the 1st floor welcome desk. If the seeds you are donating are from a personal garden, we just need them in a bag with this info:
- When the seeds were harvested (year)
- If there were any pesticides used
- Type of seed
We have some general information available about planting in our collection, but most seeds don't have specific instructions with them. We recommend visiting the Yard and Garden page at Utah State Univeristy Extension's website for their grow guides!
Do you offer gardening classes or events?
Yes, we have regular events for all ages throughout the year. Check out our calendar for what gardening classes we have scheduled. We also have two yearly events for our seed library and community garden for all ages:
- Seedling Festival and Community Seed Swap: the 3rd Saturday of January in the library, usually between 10am and 2pm. Swap seeds with the community, do crafts, take a class, and celebrate the early beginnings of a new planting season with us!
- Earth Day Festival: the Saturday before or after Earth Day (check our calendar for the actual date!), held at the Community Garden at 789 W Center Street. Bring plants for the library plot or help volunteer at the community garden! Enjoy activities, crafts, storytimes, and food throughout the morning.
We offer our sincerest gratitude to our local and national sponsors who help us keep the seed library free to everyone in the community!
- Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
- Mlgardener
- Ferry-Morse
- Hudson Valley Seed Co.
- David's Garden Seeds
- GrowOrganic.com
- Pinetree Garden Seeds
- True Leaf Market
- The Seed Guy
- Abbott Botanical Assessments
Last updated January 2024