ACPL Expands Seed Library Program to Meet Growing Community Demand

As the gardening season begins, the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is pleased to announce an expansion of its popular Seed Library program to two more ACPL branches, increasing access to free seeds and gardening resources across additional locations.

Originally launched in 2016 at the Little Turtle Branch to encourage residents to grow their own food and support sustainable practices, the ACPL Seed Library has expanded to include the New Haven and Waynedale branches. The program allows individuals to select up to eight seed packets per year at no cost—including those in apartments or without traditional garden space—to grow fresh produce, reduce grocery costs, and engage in sustainable practices.

In the last few months alone, the Little Turtle Branch has already filled more than 400 seed requests from library patrons. 

“The growth of the Seed Library in the decade since we launched reflects how much our community values access to fresh, healthy food and opportunities to learn new skills,” said Little Turtle Branch Manager Deborah Meserve. “We’re seeing people of all experience levels—from first-time gardeners to seasoned growers—using this resource not just to plant seeds, but to build confidence, save money, and decrease their carbon footprint.”

The ACPL Seed Library operates on a simple, community-driven model: patrons take seeds, grow their plants, and are encouraged to save and return seeds to sustain the collection. This cycle helps cultivate plant varieties well-suited to the local climate while reinforcing a culture of sharing and sustainability. 

By expanding the program, ACPL continues its mission to enrich the community through lifelong learning and discovery—now extending that impact into gardens, kitchens, and neighborhoods throughout Allen County.

For more information about the Seed Library, including locations and available seeds, visit acpl.info/seed-library.