Seed Library

How To Check Out

Seeds are limited to 5 packs a month per cardholder, March 1st through November 1st only.

  1. You must have a valid Blount County Public Library Card.
  2. Learn about seeds through books, online, or by attending Blount County Extension/Master Gardener programs.
  3. Browse the seeds in our catalog, located in front of the Reference Desk in Adult Services.  
  4. Fill out a checkout slip with your name, card number, and seed selections, then drop it in the checkout box.
  5. Grow your seeds, enjoy your plants, and harvest your seeds.  
  6. Return a few of your harvested seeds to the Seed Library (accepted year round) to share with the Blount County community!

For more detailed information, read our Seed Library Protocol and Disclaimer and check out our Seed Starting & Saving Resources.

Returning & Donating

We accept any heirloom, non-GMO, non-hybrid, open-pollinated seeds. Donations are accepted year-round.

  • Ensure seeds are dried thoroughly.
  • Label with the common name, cultivar (if known), and the date harvested or purchased.
  • Place in sealed bags or containers to keep seeds dry.
  • Fill out the Seed Return Form.
  • Bring to the Adult Services Desk in the Reference Area.

Unsure about the seeds you have? Ask the experts:

Blount County Master Gardeners
Blount County UT-TSU Extension
1219 McArthur Road
Maryville, TN 37804
865-982-6430

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.