Seed libraries help our community grow

Seed libraries are growing in popularity as a way to encourage interest in backyard or windowsill gardens. Two seed libraries opened in 2023 inside public libraries in Palm Beach County for anyone to take home free vegetable, herb or flower seeds. (You don't even need a library card!)

• The Palm Beach County Library’s Jupiter branch at 705 Military Trail in Jupiter.
• The Mandel Library at 411 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach. 

Gardeners can choose six seed packets each month at the Mandel Public Library and five from the Jupiter branch library. You never have to return them.

Fall and winter are good times to get growing, Palm Beach County research librarian Diane Gilmore advises. Gilmore launched Jupiter’s seed library with support from a Palm Beach County Library System grant. It allowed her to purchase a cabinet and seeds to get started. Mounts Botanical Garden and the Abacoa Community Garden partnered with the branch to get things in the ground.

You and your family can visit one of the seed libraries whenever the branch is open. New seeds are available on the first Monday of each month at the West Palm Beach library.  

SOURCES:

Diane Gilmore, librarian, Palm Beach County Library Jupiter branch: (561) 744-2301

Mandel Public Library, West Palm Beach, (561) 868-7700