Seed Library
The mission of the Westland Public Library’s Seed Library is to promote gardening, to cultivate heirloom varieties of plants, and to foster the tradition of seed saving and sharing.
We hope to create a seed collection that supports an abundant, diverse landscape while enabling residents to grow their own food, share with their community, be outside, and have fun.
What is a Seed Library?
A Seed Library is a collection of seeds that are freely available to community members. Individuals may borrow seeds to take home, grow, and enjoy, with the intention of saving seeds at the end of the growing season to return to the seed library for others to borrow next season.
Why Save Seeds?
There are lots of great reasons to save seeds:
- Save money
- Explore new varieties
- Connect with your community
- Protect pollinators
- Preserve biodiversity
- Cook with new ingredients
- Participate in an ancient tradition
- Spend time outside
- Take control of your food
- Create memories
Using the Seed Library
Borrow up to 5 seed packets per month from the Westland Library. You don’t need to have a Westland Library card to borrow seeds. Please fill out a Borrow Seeds form so we can keep our inventory up-to-date.
Seeds are located at the Westland Public Library in our Library of Things room. Check our Inventory Binders to see the varieties we are offering. The binders are updated frequently, but we can’t guarantee that everything listed in the binder will be available at the time of your visit. Varieties are marked Easy, Medium, and Advanced for the ease of saving seeds.
The seed packets contain enough seed to grow a small plot or 1-4 plants, depending on the size of the plant. If you plan to grow a larger quantity of a particular crop, take multiple packets as part of your 5 choices per month. Please do not take more packets than you think you can grow in a season.
Take your seeds home, plant, and enjoy your garden! At harvest time, allow a couple of your plants to ‘go to seed’ in order to harvest and share the seeds.
For more information on how to save seeds from specific plants, check out the resources below.
If you are returning seeds, please fill out a Donate Seeds form for each variety. They can be returned in any type of container as long as they are clearly labeled. Returns can be dropped off in the Seed Library donation box during library open hours.
Our goal is to create a renewable and sustainable depository for seeds. Ideally, we hope that you have had success with your garden and you are able to return seeds from the same plants that you borrowed. However, a number of growing conditions may impact your ability to save and return your seeds. We understand—it’s all part of gardening! Don’t stress if you are unable to return seeds.
Absolutely! Donations help to sustain the Seed Library and provide new seeds to grow and discover. Please fill out a Donate Seeds form and include it with your donation, or include the commercial seed envelope. We suggest that you do not donate any hybrid seeds, and we do not accept GMO or patented seeds. We will accept all other seeds, but are most interested in open-pollinated and heirloom seeds.
Special Seed Collections
Native Seeds
Cultivating native plants in your garden can offer a sustainable and low-maintenance alternative to non-native species. These plants are naturally resilient, often requiring less water and no fertilizers or pesticides. Establishing a native plant habitat in your space can also support local wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Native seed packets count toward your 5 packet/month limit. Please include them on your Borrow Seeds form. Many native seeds require treatment, such as cold stratification, and/or longer germination periods. Please read seed packet instructions or do research on your own to help your seeds grow!
One Seed, One State
Every year, the library participates in the Michigan Seed Library Network “One Seed, One State” initiative. The selection for 2025 is “Little Finger Carrot.” Stop by the library to pick up your free seed packet and growing information, while supplies last.
A big thanks to the Michigan Seed Library Network for making this possible!
Propagation Station
Plant propagations are pieces, or cuttings, from plants that grow their own root systems and become new plants.
Bring a (preferably) rooted houseplant cutting from home in water only, no soil or potted plants. Place it in one of the open tubes at the station. If no tubes are available please check back later. Use the provided labels to mark your plants if desired. Ready to take a new plant home? Please limit one cutting per person, and keep the station neat and tidy. Use one paper towel sheet to take your cutting home. Please leave the glass tubes in the station for future cuttings! You do not need to bring a cutting or have a library card to use the station. Help us grow the station — donate your plant cuttings to the library!
Resources
Michigan Seed Library Network
MI Seed Library aims to connect seed libraries, their stakeholders and partners, and to promote and support the development of new seed libraries throughout Michigan.
Seed Savers Exchange
SSE educates and connects people through collecting, regenerating, and sharing heirloom seeds, plants, and stories. Find helpful garden tips, seed saving guides, and more on their website.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Westland Seed Library relies on donations from our vendor partners, seed organizations, local growers, and farmers. We thank them for their generosity.
- Annie’s Heirloom Seeds
- Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
- Botanical Interests
- Fedco Seeds
- High Mowing Organic Seeds
- John Blair
- Seed Savers Exchange
- Southern Exposure
- Territorial Seed Company
- Victory Seeds
We do not knowingly distribute genetically engineered seeds or plants.