If You Have a Garden & a Library…

“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” 

— adapted quote from Cicero 

Do you enjoy flower gardening? Do you plant vegetables, fruits, and/or herbs? Want to help your neighbors with their pollinator garden? Then, consider saving some seeds from your harvest this year to share with us! We need your help for our new Seed Library which will sprout up in March 2025.

Seed Donations* 

From September 15 to October 15, we will be accepting seed donations at the Adult Information Desks of Cook Park and Aspen Drive Libraries.  

If you plan to donate, please:  

1. Dry and separate your seeds by plant. 

2. Place seeds into small Ziploc bags or small paper envelopes.  

3. Label each bag and/or envelope with your name, email, and information such as: 

– name (common/scientific) 

– variety 

– source 

– harvest date 

– anything else you think is necessary to know for successfully growing them

Labeling your seeds before you donate them is essential! To make this easier, we have created donation forms. You can download a copy or pick up some at the Adult Information Desk of either library, beginning August 8. They will also be available at the Libertyville Farmers Market on Thursday mornings (9 am–12 pm) in August. If you use a library label, please include one with each donated seed bag/envelope.

*Please note, we will also be happy to receive prepackaged/store-bought seeds as well, even if you have opened and used some of them. Please include the original packaging if possible, so that we can appropriately identify and describe them for others. Otherwise, our donation form will work.

Seed Library Information 

More information about the CMPLD Seed Library will be forthcoming. So, look for information in upcoming Ins & Outs issues, blog posts, library flyers, etc. Also, feel free to sign up for our Seed Library email list to receive periodic updates and information. 

Questions?

If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Daniel Smith at dsmith@cooklib.org or 224-513-7418.