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1. How does the Seed Library work?

• TBML card holders can check out 10 packets of seed per season.
• You can make seed packet selections from our Spring 2022 menu (available at the library reference desk or online on our website). Simply circle your selections and write your library card # in the space provided.
• Give your completed menu to one of our staff members.
• We will prepare your order and give the seeds to you.
• There are no due dates and seeds will automatically be checked in from your card.

2. How can I find out more information about the seeds I picked up?

Each seed packet has "Ss" marked on it which stands for "Seed Source." The Seed Source is followed by another set of initials which stand for the seed company. You can visit the seed company and find out more information about your varieties! The seed companies are as follows:

NSS: Native Seed/SEARCH

SS: Siskiyou Seeds

SSE: Seed Savers Exchange

ST: Seeds Trust

BSPC: Burgess Seed and Plant Co.

TS: True Love Seeds

BCHS: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

FM: Ferry-Morse

Community: Community grown!

3. When can I get seeds?

Seeds currently are available most of the year at the library. Seeds are also only available while supplies last. The Seed Library occasionally takes a break during the summer and winter to restock.

4. Why are my seed packets so small?

We have limited funds and need to make sure that we are able to provide seeds to a lot of people. Additionally, some of our seeds are local or arid-region adapted and are thus quite rare—our goal is to get enough of those seeds planted and saved in the community so that we have plenty to share! Finally, we’ve found that most people never finish off planting a regular-sized packet of seeds anyway.

5. Why don’t you have tomatoes (or kale, or whatever you are looking for) right now?

We generally only have seeds appropriate for the current growing season. The collection rotates with the season, supply, demand, and donations.

6. Do you take seed donations?

We do! However, as with a library collection, we need to evaluate what goes into a collection. If you are donating seeds you grew yourself or got from a friend, we ask that you fill out and include a donation form with your donation. Please include as much detail as you can as this is valuable cultural and agricultural information.

7. How do I learn to save seeds?

Visit the Seed Saving tab on our website for some information and a curated list of books and websites.

8. Why is the Seed Library named Tierra Sagrada?

The Thomas Branigan Memorial Library is home to a beautiful community mural called Tierra Sagrada or Sacred Earth, created by El Paso artist A.O. Carmona. In many cultures and agricultural traditions, seeds hold a sacred place. Indeed, like books, seeds hold a wealth of knowledge and are essential to our well-being. Tierra Sagrada reminds us about community care and sharing.