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Seed Library

Logo for Emma Clark's seed library with image of seedling and dirt

Happy Spring! The Seed Library is now fully restocked!

Our Seed Library is a collection of flower, herb, and vegetable seed packets. These packets are freely available to Emma Clark Library cardholders. The seeds are all organic; many are also Long Island native plants. The seed packets are housed in an “old-fashioned” card catalog – a specialized piece of furniture that we no longer use in the Library since we’ve moved to an online catalog, but have now effectively repurposed for the seeds. You’ll find it between the Adult Reference Desk and the Café.

Below the Seed Library, you’ll find our Seed Swap Box, designed for the public to donate and share seeds. All donated seeds should be in a sealed, labeled packet. These will not be inspected or cataloged by the Library.

The goals of these resources are to provide seeds, build community, and support people who are new to the world of gardening, as well as those who are well-seasoned gardeners.

How Does the Seed Library Work?

Each patron may take no more than 3 seed packets per week from the Seed Library. You do not need to check the packets out. Instead, please sign our Seed Library Guest Book, indicating which seed packets you took, as well as any comments you may have. We’d love to hear from you! Seed packets are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

Some Examples of Seeds that May Be Available in the Seed Library:

  • Flowers – Amaranth, Echinacea, & Sunflowers
  • Herbs – Basil, Chives, & Dill
  • Fruits & Vegetables – Arugula, Bok Choy, Green Beans, Okra, Spinach, & Sugar Snap Peas

Our Seed Library is a growing collection, and new varieties of seeds may be added from time to time. Similarly, as seed packets are taken, not all may be replaced, as we have a limited number of seeds available. Please be mindful of what you take, and remember this is a shared resource for all in our community.

Can I Donate Seeds?

We love our generous Three Village community! If you have seeds that you would like to share with others, please place them in our Seed Swap Box, below the Seed Library. All donated seeds should be in a sealed, labeled packet. There is no limit to how many seeds you may donate or take from the Swap Box. What is found in the Swap Box is not cataloged or inspected by the library. Take what you would like; you may find a new favorite!

Upcoming Gardening Classes

Let’s Talk Gardening with the Three Village Garden Club (In-Person)
Thursday, April 10, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Members of the Three Village Garden Club will share some of their best gardening ideas as well as what can be learned from unexpected mishaps. Gardening success 101! Click here to register now.

And take a peek at some of the Gardening Classes in May and June…

How to Grow a Hot Pepper Garden (Online)
Monday, May 19, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Do you like spicy food or making homemade salsas and hot sauce? Grow your own hot peppers at home! From the classic jalapeño to the world’s hottest – Carolina Reaper, learn how to grow and care for hot pepper plants from seed to harvest. Taught by Joseph Lodato. Click here to register starting 4/22.

The Magic of Compost (Online)
Wednesday, May 28, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Compost is a residential win-win for increasing soil health and for reducing the volume of waste headed to the municipal landfill. Learn four different types of composting methods in this workshop, including outside and indoor composting, aerobic and anaerobic techniques, worm and lasagna approaches. Led by an educator from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Click here to register starting 4/22.

Local Eats: The Saucy Tomato (In-Person)
Thursday, May 29, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Learn about this delicious and versatile vegetable (or is it a fruit?)! An educator from Cornell Cooperative Extension will teach you all about the different kinds of tomatoes and their nutritional benefits. Enjoy food samples and come away with some new ideas for how to grow and cook with this kitchen staple. Click here to register starting 4/28.

Whimsical Succulent Terrarium (In-Person)
Tuesday, June 10, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. OR 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Learn how to properly grow and care for your own succulent! Participants will plant their succulent in a teacup and adorn it with mini fairy garden décor. Taught by James Snider from The Pot City. Space is limited. All supplies provided.
Click here to register for the 2:00pm class starting 5/12.
Click here to register for the 6:30pm class starting 5/12.

Shade Gardens (Online)
Thursday, June 12, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Does your yard get little or no sun? Hundred of plants prefer and thrive in shady conditions. Discover how you can bring four seasons of interest to your shaded garden with an array of colors, sizes, and plant textures. Attention to foliage and structural features are key. Led by an educator from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Click here to register starting 4/22.

Show us what you’ve planted in your garden, thanks to our Seed Library! 

We’d love to see those colorful flowers, delicious herbs, and healthy fruits & vegetables. Post a photo and tag us on Facebook and/or Instagram @EmmaClarkLibrary. #SeedLibrary

Make sure your post is public so that we can view it!

Additional Gardening Resources

We have a robust collection of books on Gardening in our Adult, Young Adult, and Children’s Non-Fiction Collections.
You can find them under the Dewey Decimal Number 635.
We offer gardening programs periodically at the Library, both in-person, and on Zoom. Check out our latest
newsletter for program listings.

The following are some links you may find useful when planning your garden:

Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org