About the Seed Library
The Mr. & Mrs. F. L. Schlagle Library and Environmental Learning Center offers a seed library containing over 30 different varieties of native plants and vegetable seeds.
The seed library started in 2022 with former Education Specialist and Interim Director, Jada K. Tressler, harvesting native plant seed from around Wyandotte County Lake. Many library patrons with access to native plants also donated seeds and were able to check out other seeds. In 2023 Olivia D. Moore, Education Specialist attended the 11th Annual Seed Library Summit and gathered many ideas from like-minded librarians, Indigenous Peoples and seed keepers worldwide. With this newfound knowledge, the Seed Library’s number and types of seeds increased dramatically. The offering of seed types grew to include native plants as well as edible garden plants.
We are very grateful that our seed library received support and donations from several local organizations including Bell Crossing Farm, The Buffalo Seed Company, Camp C.A.R.V.E.R., Going to Seed, Groundwork NRG, J-14 Agricultural Enterprises, and KC Farm School at Gibbs Road. Our intent is for our patrons to check out, grow, and return seed to maintain our seed inventory.
Planting Guides
If you are looking for more research-base planting guides and information about native plants, we recommend the following provided by K-State Research & Extension and Missouri University:
Seed Library Rules
- The seed library is only available for in-person checkout at FL Schlagle Library.
- Those wishing to checkout seeds must have a physical library card in good standing.
- Holds are currently not allowed to be placed on seeds.
- There is no due date for seeds but we ask that patrons are open to donating their own seeds at the end of the season to continue to grow the seed library.
- Some restrictions may apply based on seed quantity and availability.