Ames Seed Library

Ames Seed Library

The Ames Seed Library is a partnership between Ames Public Library, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Story County, Ames Repair Café, and Mustard Seed Community Farm. 


The Ames Seed Library is a community resource that offers free vegetable, flower, fruit and herb seeds in order to empower people to grow their own food and build relationships through gardening.

By collecting seed from local growers, the Ames Seed Library will create a seed commons for the Ames community, providing seeds adapted to Central Iowa.

Through educational events and programming, the Ames Seed Library will facilitate connections between gardeners of different skill levels and create a hub for education and community building around seeds and gardening.    

How It Works

Magnifying Glass

Step 1: Browse

Look through the seed library drawers and discover available seeds! The seed library is located on Ames Public Library's 2nd floor near the Adult Services desk. Look for the bright red cabinets! 

You can also browse the ONLINE SEED CATALOG.

(Availability is not guaranteed as our seed catalog doesn’t update in real time. Seed packets cannot be reserved.)

Child with Ames Public Library Card

Step 2: Check out

Complete the checkout form on the iPad found near the seed library cabinets. Please complete the form as fully as possible – it helps us accurately track what’s available. 

Crate of Plants and Gardening Tools

Step 3: Grow

Find books and more about growing your garden in the library.

Seedling in Person's Hands

Step 4: Share

Share your success by donating your harvested seeds to the Ames Seed Library. Donated seeds will be repackaged and added to the seed library.

DONATION FORMS are available at the Adult Services Desk and online.

Contact Us

Have questions? Stop by the Adult Services desk, or call us at (515) 239-5646 ext. 4, or email webref@amespubliclibrary.org.  

If you interested in volunteering with the Seed Library, call (515) 239-5646 ext. 5 or e-mail sbohlke@amespubliclibrary.org.

Gardening/Nature Events

This event is in the "Teens" group.
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Farwell T. Brown Auditorium
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Nature/Sustainability, Summer at the Library
Program Details:

 


Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.

Thank You

Thank you to our seed donors:

  • Ames Community Members
  • Hudson Valley Seeds
  • Redwood Seeds
  • Seed Savers Exchange 
  • Sow Right Seeds
  • Sow True Seeds
Ames Public Library Logo
Master Gardener, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Ames Repair Café
Mustard Seed Community Farm

 

Ames Public Library has been granted a seed library permit in accordance with Iowa Code, Chapter 199.