UM-Flint Seed Library

Mission Statement

The Frances Willson Thompson Library is dedicated to preserving and sharing heirloom and locally adapted seeds. Our mission is to promote biodiversity, sustainability, and self-sufficiency in our community by providing free access to seeds and gardening resources.

What is a Seed Library?

A seed library is a community-based initiative that promotes the sharing and preservation of seeds. It operates much like a traditional library, but instead of books, it offers a collection of seeds for borrowing. Members of the community can "check out" seeds to plant in their gardens and are encouraged to save seeds from their harvests to return to the library, contributing to a cycle of sharing and sustainability.

Our seed library focuses on vegetables, herbs, heirloom, open-pollinated, and locally adapted plant varieties, which are important for maintaining biodiversity and resilience in local ecosystems. In addition to providing seeds, we offer events and educational resources on topics such as gardening, seed saving, and sustainable agriculture. By fostering a culture of sharing and learning, seed libraries such as ours, help communities connect with their food sources and promote environmental stewardship.

1. Membership and Eligibility

• Library Card?: No library card is required.
• Fees: The seed library is free to use.

2. Borrowing Seeds

• Limit: Members may borrow up to 10 seed packets per growing season and no more than two packets of any one variety.
• Types of Seeds: The library offers a variety of seeds, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and native plants.
• Purpose: Seeds are for personal and community gardening projects only. Commercial use of seeds is not allowed.

3. Returning Seeds

• Expectation: Members are encouraged (but not required) to return seeds at the end of the growing season.
• Quality: Returned seeds should be clean, viable, and labeled accurately with the plant variety and any relevant growing information.
• Quantity: While we appreciate all contributions, members are encouraged to return at least as many seeds as they borrowed to help sustain the library.

4. Education and Support

• Workshops: The seed library offers workshops on seed saving, gardening, and related topics.
• Resources: Educational materials and resources are available to members, including books, pamphlets, and online content.

5. Seed Quality and Liability

• Seed Quality: While we strive to provide high-quality seeds, the seed library cannot guarantee the germination rate or purity of the seeds.
• Liability: The seed library is not responsible for the success or failure of crops grown from borrowed seeds.

6. Donations

• Seed Donations: We accept donations of open-pollinated, non-GMO seeds. Donors must label seeds with the plant variety, harvest date, and any relevant growing conditions.
• Financial Donations: Monetary donations are welcome to support the library's operations, educational programs, and seed purchases.

7. Privacy

• Data Protection: The seed library respects the privacy of its members and will not share personal information with third parties without consent.

Amendments to Policy

The Frances Willson Thompson Library reserves the right to amend this policy as needed. Members will be notified of any changes via public postings at the library.

Contact Information

For questions or more information, please contact us by email at FlintSeedLibrary@umich.edu or call us at (810) 762-3400.