Seed Library

Amateur and experienced gardeners alike can “borrow” seeds from Helen Plum Library to take home, grow, and enjoy. At the end of the growing season, participants are asked to save some seeds from their plants and share them by donating them to the Library for others to grow.

David Gogo,
Genealogy Librarian

dgogo@helenplum.org

(630) 627-0316 ext. 405

Visit the Seed Library on the 2nd Floor in Adult Library Services. 

1. Browse the Seed Library baskets.
2. Select up to five seed packets you’d like to plant.
3. Take them home and plant them in your garden!

Current Seed Inventory 

Our collection of seeds will change as new donations come in and community members return seeds they harvested.

Learn how to germinate native seeds

When you harvest, save some seeds for you, your friends, and some for the Library!

1. When returning seeds to the Library, fill out a Seed Library donation form for each seed variety.
2. Return your seeds with the attached form to the box on the shelf.

Be sure to dry your seeds thoroughly after harvesting and store them in a cool place until you bring them to the Library. We suggest that you save the packet from your bought or borrowed seeds so that you have all the information available when you bring them in. 

New to seed saving?

Requirements for proper seed saving vary. For more information, see "How to Save Seeds" from the University of Illinois Extension Service:

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds • Burpee • High Mowing Organic Seeds • Lombard Garden Club • Prairie Moon Nursery