Seed Library

Discover the joy of growing your own food at home with the Seed Library.

Learn how to cultivate plants and food at home, share seeds with our community and grow your gardening knowledge at the same time. Gardening is great for mindfulness, health and well-being. The Seed Library will also help strengthen food security in our local community.

How does the Seed Library work?

It’s really easy… 

  • borrow up to two packets of seeds each time you visit
  • grow the seeds in your garden
  • when it’s time to harvest, save some seeds
  • return collected seeds to the seed library to continue the cycle

Where is the Seed Library located?

You can explore the Seed Library at Oak Flats Library. 

How do I borrow from the Seed Library?

All you need is your library card! You can borrow two packets of seeds each time you visit Oak Flats Library.

If you’re not a member, you can join online today. Membership is free!

What seeds are in the Seed Library?

We currently offer 22 different types of seeds, including vegetables, herbs and flowers.

These seeds have been selected because they are easy-to-grow and suitable for our area. We expect our seed offerings to change over time as we discover what our local community prefers.

Our seeds are old traditional open pollinated non-hybrid varieties and have no chemical treatment, and no genetic engineering. Old varieties produce over an extended period and are generally easier to grow for the home gardener. 

Can I donate seeds?

Yes! After growing in your garden, harvest and return seeds for others to borrow. Seed donations are only accepted at Oak Flats Library. 

We only accept donations of vegetable, herbs and perennial flower seeds.

Seeds need to be clean and healthy and all the same species. Place your donated seeds in a clean/dry container or zip-lock bag.

Do I have to donate seeds?

You are not obligated to donate seeds. Sometimes growing from seeds does not go as planned but we encourage everyone to contribute to the Seed Library to complete the cycle.

Discover more about the Seed Library

Books to kick-start your gardening journey
Seed Library Fact Sheet 
Guide to seed saving 

Shellharbour City Libraries acknowledges the traditional custodians of Dharawal Country and recognises their continued connection to the land. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and the contribution they make to the life of this City.