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New! Seed Library

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

The Seed Library Has Bloomed!

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.

Example of Seeds that May Be Available in the Seed Library:

  • Flowers – Columbine, Echinacea, Hyssop, Milkweed, Rudbeckia, & Sunflowers
  • Herbs – Basil, Catnip, Cilantro, Lemon Balm, Mint, Motherwort, Mustard, Oregano, Parsley, Sage, & Skullcap
  • Fruits & Vegetables – Arugula, Beets, Carrots, Chives, Cucumbers, Dill, Edamame, Gooseberry, Green Beans, Lettuce, Onion, Peppers, Spinach, Squash, Tomatoes, Watermelon, & Zucchini

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 (May & June 2024)

Hummingbirds in Your Garden (Online)
Wed., May 1, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Learn how to create the proper habitat to attract ruby-throated hummingbirds to your yard. Led by an educator from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Click here to register starting 4/12.

Planting Rain Gardens (Online)
Tues., May 21, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Rain gardens are shallow depressions designed to soak up water and support trees, shrubs, & flowers that tolerate both wet & dry conditions. Learn the basics of designing a rain garden using native plants. Led by an educator from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Click here to register starting 4/12.

Pollinator Gardens (Online)
Thurs., June 6, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Discover the best planting arrangements as well as the many colorful and hardy plants attractive to pollinators. Led by an educator from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Click here to register starting 4/12.

Additional Gardening Resources

We have a robust collection of books on Gardening in our Adult, Teen, 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