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Seed Libraries

We’ve got more than books at the library! Take a look at the seed libraries we have opened at multiple locations throughout San Diego Public Library. These seed libraries are free to use and can be picked up onsite or even mailed out! Seed varieties, pickup options and requirements vary by location. Seeds are limited to what is on hand. Please check each seed library location for more details on what is available.
Similar to checking out books, patrons are able to check out seeds for personal use. By borrowing seeds, growing a plant and sending seeds back to our seed libraries, you’ll be helping us keep our seed library programs going. We want our communities and patrons to borrow, grow and harvest seeds! In addition, many of these seed libraries have related workshops and events on gardening, composting and more. You can also find resources for growing and harvesting food on the City's Urban Farming website.

Seed Libraries

College-Rolando Seed Library

The College-Rolando Seed Library sprouted early 2021 and is one of our most recent locations. Seed library users may check out locally adapted, non-GMO, heirloom seeds. The College-Rolando Seed Library will also host free workshops and programs aimed at vegetable gardening, local ecology, sustainability and so much more.
 

For the updated seed inventory and to answer any questions, please call College-Rolando Library at (858) 533-3902 or email chstaff@sandiego.gov.

Seed library at College-Rolando Library

Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Knox Branch Library

The Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Knox Branch Library is pleased to offer a variety of free seeds to the public through the Seed Library. Grow a variety of herbs, vegetables plants. Save money and reduce your carbon footprint by growing nutritious food at home. No library card is required. 
 
Seed Library is sponsored by The Friends of The Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Knox Library.  
 
For information about our inventory, please email mhstaff@sandiego.gov

Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Knox Branch Library Seed library

Ocean Beach Seed Library

Ocean Beach Seed Library began in the spring of 2019 It quickly took root in the neighborhood and, with the assistance of Friend of the Ocean Beach Library, community partners and dedicated staff, became a hub for patrons to share and lend seeds. Ocean Beach Library often hosts Seed Library programming as part of a community movement for sustainable urban agriculture.
 
To check out seeds from this location, please call the Ocean Beach Library at (619) 531-1532. No library card is required.
 
In addition, the OB Seed Library has a Facebook group online. Become a member in order to get the latest updates, news and resources from our staff. Members also share and discuss gardening ideas, suggestions and share their stories.
 

Image of seedlings

Pacific Beach Seed Library

The PB Seed Library sprouted in July 2023.  Gardeners may select up to six free packets of seeds to grow in the winter season, and another six for the summer crop.  Gardeners are asked to bring back seeds after their harvest, so that our community may continue to grow together.  To check out seeds, visit the Pacific Beach/Taylor Library in-person to register to become a member. No library card is required.

The PB Seed Library is sponsored by the Friends of the Pacific Beach Library.

For more information call us at 858-581-9934, or email us at pbstaff@sandiego.gov

Library card catalog repurposed for a seed library

Rancho Peñasquitos Seed Library

The Rancho Peñasquitos Seed Library is our latest location to take root. Thanks to donations from seed companies, library users may check out locally adapted, non-GMO, heirloom seeds. In the future, Rancho Peñasquitos Seed Library will host free workshops and programs focusing on gardening and other related topics.
 
Seeds are available for contactless pickup only. For the updated seed inventory and to answer any questions, please call Rancho Peñasquitos Library at (858) 538-8159.

Cartoon image of a seed bag

Scripps Miramar Ranch Seed Library

A year after the success of the Ocean Beach Seed Library, our second location sprouted in January of 2020. The Scripps Ranch Seed Library is our second such location to serve our San Diego patrons with seeds. Established by Sustainable Scripps Ranch (SSR) with donations from seed companies, it is sponsored by the Scripps Ranch Friends of the Library and managed by Scripps Miramar Ranch Library staff.
 
To request seeds-by-mail during the COVID-19 closures, use the Seed Library Inventory to create a top 3 pick list and email your request to seedlibrary@srfol.org. You may also call the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library and speak to staff for more details (858) 538-8158.

Image of seedlings

 

Skyline Hills Seed Library

The Skyline Hills Seed Library is alive & growing, effective April 2022. Thanks to a partnership with the nonprofit Paradise Gardeners who obtained donations from five seed companies, and early seed donations from some of our avid gardeners, library users may check out many varieties of non-GMO fruit, vegetable and flower seeds. To learn more about gardening & seed harvesting, the Paradise Gardeners offers free monthly gardening workshops. 

To check out seeds, visit Skyline Hills Library in-person to register to become a member. No library card is required.

For information about our inventory, please email skstaff@sandiego.gov.

Skyline Hills Library - Seed Library

Tierrasanta Seed Library

The Tierrasanta Seed Library was launched in June 2023 with the goal of deepening patrons' connection to their gardens. With donations from seed companies and members of the local community, the Tierrasanta Seed Library is able to provide free flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetable seeds. Sign-up to become a member of the seed library in-person, no library card required.

For more information call us at 858-573-1384, or email us at tsstaff@sandiego.gov.

Tierrasanta Seed Library

Image of seedlings