Seed Libraries in the Indianapolis Area: Where to Find Them and How They Work

The hardest part is getting started. By offering seed packets for home gardeners to grow their own fruits, vegetables, or flowers, seed libraries across Indiana are making it easier to take that first step– whether the end goal is a lush vegetable garden or some colorful flowers to brighten your home. 

Local libraries have slowly expanded their offerings in the past decade beyond books through an increasingly popular  “library of things” model. Seed libraries offer a similar concept.  It’s not just for the seasoned, hardcore home gardener, either. Anyone can grab a packet and try something new. The specifics change from place to place, but the general process is this: Go to your local library, browse the collection of seed packets, check them out like you would a book, then use them for planting. For those concerned about months-long late fees, don’t worry, most seed libraries don’t expect anything to be returned. 

Hoosier master gardener Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp is leading an introductory gardening workshop on March 22 at 2 p.m. at the Wayne Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library. She said, “I think when people are struggling financially, having access to free seeds where you can grow your own food is very helpful. To me, it just makes it easier to get people interested in gardening.” 

Meyers Sharp has spent her life educating home gardeners. Her work has earned her a spot as a presenter at the upcoming Indiana Flower and Patio Show, where she’ll be presenting the newest plants to look out for this season. 

“Make sure to always check the seed packets,” she said. “At the library or at home, you can look up that specific plant and see if there’s anything else to know about that plant. We really want people to be successful because if they’re successful, they feel good, and that encourages others to try.”

Seed libraries often work off of donations, but the guidance changes from collection to collection. In Johnson County, for example, the public libraries don’t accept seed donations, but all of the seeds in their collection come from True Leaf Market or Urban Farmer. However, Indianapolis Public Library’s seed libraries do take donations, so long as they’re properly labeled and meet certain criteria. When in doubt, it’s easiest to check with your local librarian first.

Although Hoosiers still have a few weeks to wait until the final frost, mid-March is the perfect time to start plants indoors. This is especially helpful if you’re trying your hand at plants like tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants, all of which are more challenging to plant from seed if placed in the ground.

Our List of Local Seed Libraries

We’ve worked to collect a small selection of seed libraries in the Indianapolis area. Here are some local stops to start off your home garden this year: 

Vernon Township Public Library – Vernon Township library card holders can check out up to 15 packets each season. Returns are not expected, but this library does accept heirloom and non-GMO donations, as well as seeds from plants that were grown from their collection.

Indianapolis Public Library – Seeds are available at all IPL branches. Limit to 5 packets per visit, and one of each variety per household.

Hamilton East Public Library – Library card holders can check out up to 15 packets per season. These packets are available at both the Fishers and Noblesville locations.

Carmel Clay Public Library – Requires a library card (either for CCPL or Hamilton County). The seed library is located on the second floor of the Main Library, near the section for adult new books.

Westfield Washington Public Library – This program is back for its second year. 

Brownsburg Public Library – Visitors can take up to 5 seed packets. Donations accepted.

Johnson County Public Library – Herbs, Flowers (including wildflower mixes), and Vegetables. Self-serve (no library card required) while supplies last. 

Indiana University – IU libraries offers a variety of heirloom and native plans upon request. This program began in 2016, however because of the archival nature of these plants, this seed library does require participants to save their seeds and return them later on.