Thank you.
The Community Seed Library is funded by gifts from donors to the JMU Libraries. Generous gifts from JMU faculty, staff, students, alumni, and lovers of libraries everywhere make projects like this possible. To learn more, or make a gift, visit www.lib.jmu.edu/giving.
We also regularly take donations from generous community gardeners who save their seeds and several seed saving organizations.
The Community Seed Library was co-founded by Liz Chenevey and Sarah Pritchard. They would like to recognize the enormous support and help from various people within the Libraries in getting this little seed library up and running for our community:
- Emma Cummings; logo design
- Jared Wark & Dan Easley; vinyl logo adaptation and implementation
- Jenne Klotz; foundation logistics
- Kelly-Miller Martin, Laura Montanez, Heather Roberts, and Brian Simmons; facilities & logistics
- Kristen Shuyler, Kerry Scannell, Emily Blake, and Ryan Winfree; promotions
- The Libraries Dean's Council for approving the project
- and all our Libraries colleagues for their enthusiastic support of the project.
Need seeds during the COVID-19 quarantine?
We have developed a Pilot Seed Pickup Service to ensure our community still has access to quality seeds and fresh food during this difficult time! See a general list of available seeds in this form, and if you are in need of seeds please fill it out and we will be in touch to arrange a safe pickup from a location in Harrisonburg:
Haga clic aquí para pedir semillas
Please know that we will do what we can to fulfill your request, but may run into issues of low stock. Thank you for your understanding!
What is the Community Seed Library?
The Community Seed Library is a self-service seed sharing library, provided by JMU Libraries, and available to all. No library card necessary!
We have seeds for vegetables, herbs, and flowers. We prioritize heirloom or open-pollinated seeds and plants that are well-suited to growing conditions in the Shenandoah Valley. We also strive to provide culturally competent seed types, recognizing the diverse populations and gardening knowledge of our neighbors across the Valley and their plant traditions.
Mission
The Community Seed Library encourages community empowerment and supports food sovereignty by providing:
- free access to seeds for all
- programming to share knowledge and skills related to growing gardens and saving seeds
- relevant resources and information
How it works
More detailed instructions can be found at the Library itself.
Borrowing Seeds
- Browse seed collection | Seeds are organized by plant families.
- Complete envelopes | Using the Seed Stamp, stamp and fill out a separate envelope for each type of seed you plan to take.
- Take what you need | Put seeds in envelopes. Take 2-3 seeds for every plant you intend to grow this season.
Donating and/or Returning Seeds
- Plan ahead | Read the Community Seed Library brochure, How to Save Seeds (link), or consult our other resources to the left.
- Plant and harvest | Let some plants go to seed. Save seeds for yourself and the Community Seed Library
- Complete envelopes | Using the Seed Stamp, stamp and fill out a separate envelope for each type of seed you are returning. Include as much information as possible
- For large and bulk donations, please contact us at seedlibrary@jmu.edu
- File | Place seeds in the cabinet alphabetically by family behind the proper divider.