The Rock Island Public Library Seed Library is offering free seed bundles by mail to Rock Island and Milan-area households this spring.
The Rock Island Public Library free "Seed Library" offers free seeds for local residents. While distribution looks different this year, this free resource is still a great way for Rock Island and Milan-area residents and organizations to cultivate their gardens this spring.
The Seed Library is a free collection of seed packets suitable for the local growing area. Using the online form on the RIPL website, participants can request one of the following pre-selected packages:
- Vegetable garden bundle
- Flower garden bundle
- Herb garden bundle
- Grab Bag (mixed bundle)
Each bundle contains five assorted packets of heirloom and open-pollinated varieties of vegetables, flowers, and culinary herb seeds. Selection will vary.
Seeds will arrive via postal mail within 3 to 7 business days after the order is received. The library will send one package per household to addresses in its service areas of Rock Island and the Milan-Blackhawk Public Library District. A library card is not required.
“We know that gardeners are eager to plant with the warmer weather, and as a means of spending time while social distancing during the stay-at-home extension,” said Reference Librarian Rachel Ippolito. “We ask that participants allow us to choose the assortment in each themed bundle, and we hope our gardeners look forward to growing something new.”
A limited supply of seed bundles have been placed in Little Free Libraries available outside Rock Island elementary schools. All seed library bundles are available only while supplies last.
For those who want to complete the seed lending circle, participants may save seeds from their crops and donate seeds back to the library after harvest in the fall. Seed saving is not required to participate.
To order seeds for mail delivery, visit the library website, and click the Seed Library image at the top for the Google Form.
While Rock Island Public Library buildings are closed to the public, the library continues to offer a wide variety of digital content, online programs, fun activities and instructional videos. To access these resources, visit the Library website and social media channels, and follow Rock Island Public Library on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
For further questions about the Seed Library, please contact the library by email or leave a message at 309-732-7343.