Seed Library

Seed Library Card Catalog painted cropped

Operations Months

Through the growing season February 1st through October 31st.

Learn  -  Plant  -  Grow  -  Return

purple hull peas

​Accepting Donations

  • ​Donate any heirloom, non-GMO, non-hybrid, open-pollinated seeds, The seeds do not have to be organic.
  • Make sure seeds are dried thoroughly.
  • Label with the common name and cultivar (if known).
  • Label with date harvested or purchased.  Place in sealed bags or containers to keep seeds dry.
  • Donations accepted at the Adult Services Desk in the Reference Area.
  • If you are unsure about the seeds you have, contact and ask the experts:
    Blount County UT-TSU Extension
    1219 McArthur Road
    Maryville, TN 37804
    865-982-6430
  • Click here for more information on seed donations.

​Four Easy Steps to Using the Seed Library @ BCPL


  1. Learn about seeds through books, online information, attending Blount County Extension/Master Gardener programs, etc.;
  2. Check out seeds. It's free, and all it takes is a Blount County Public Library Card;
  3. Grow and save seeds from your harvest;
  4. Return some seeds from your harvest to the Seed Library. (Accepting seeds year round.)

How To Check Out Seeds

Available Only from February 1 through October 31

  1. You must have a valid Blount County Public Library card.
  2. Limit 5 packs of seed once per month; per card holder.
  3. Browse seeds in the catalog, which is located close to the Reference Desk in Adult Services.  Fill out a checkout slip with your name, card number, and seed selections, then drop it in the checkout box.
  4. Grow your seeds, enjoy plants, and harvest seeds.  Give back a few of your seeds to the Seed Library, which will then share with all of your community in Blount County!
Southern Appalachian Studies Logo Blue transparent
Mission Statement:
The Seed Library @BCPL exists to empower local home gardeners to grow and save seeds, learn about the history, culture, and growing of all kinds of plants with an emphasis on Southern Appalachian heritage varieties, and share a portion of the seeds of their harvest back to the community. 

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