Seed Libraries

“A seed library is, in essence, a community project where gardeners can learn about how to save seeds and then access seeds for free.” - Abbey Palmer, Community Food Systems Educator with Michigan State University Extension and volunteer with the Queen City Seed Library

Seed libraries across the Upper Peninsula have been taking off and we now host three establish seed libraries in the Western UP:

The Portage Lake Seed Library is a new addition within the Portage Lake District Library in Houghton, MI this growing season. Seed libraries are grassroot initiatives focused on enriching the gardening community by encouraging seed saving and swapping. Novice or expert gardeners are provided with a low-risk way to try something new by using seed libraries. Using native, non GMO seeds, seed libraries provide free seeds to the public for gardening purposes.

The Ojibwa Community Seed Library has recently formed within the Ojibwa Community Library. The Ojibwa Community Library, Wiikwedong Dazhi-Ojibwe Agindaasoowigamig, is located at 409 Superior Avenue, Baraga, Michigan. The public library is managed by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. It is open to all tribal members and residents of Baraga County. If you have any questions about the seed library, please call (906) 353-8163.

The Calumet Public Library Seed Exchange is a joint project of the Friends of the Calumet Public Library and the Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative. It is located within the entrance of the Calumet Public Library and any visitor is welcome to make use of the resource. If you have any questions about the seed library, please call (906)337-0311 Ext 1107. More information can also be found on this local flyer.

Learn more about seed libraries taking root in the Upper Peninsula by reading this article from the Marquette Food Co-op.