Seed Library

The Blount County Public Library is proud to announce the opening of its first ever Seed Library! 


Operations Months


Through the growing season March 1st through October 31st.


Seed Library Locations for Adults and Children


  • Adult Services near the Reference Desk.
  • Youth Services end of the Main Desk.

Learn  -  Plant  -  Grow  -  Return



Seed Library card catalog
purple hull peas

​Accepting Donations

  • ​Donate any heirloom, non-GMO, non-hybrid, open-pollinated seeds, The seeds do not have to be organic.
  • Make sure seeds are dried thoroughly.
  • Label with the common name and cultivar (if known).
  • Label with date harvested or purchased.  Place in sealed bags or containers to keep seeds dry.
  • Donations accepted at the Reference Desk in Adult Services.
  • If you are unsure about the seeds you have, contact and ask the experts:
    Blount County UT-TSU Extension
    1219 McArthur Road
    Maryville, TN 37804
    865-982-6430
  • Click here for more information on seed donations.

​Four Easy Steps to Using the Seed Library @ BCPL


  1. Learn about seeds through books, online information, attending Blount County Extension/Master Gardener programs, etc.;
  2. Check out seeds. It's free, and all it takes is a Blount County Public Library Card;
  3. Grow and save seeds from your harvest;
  4. Return some seeds from your harvest to the Seed Library.

How To Check Out Seeds


  1. You must have a Blount County Public Library card;
  2. Limit 5 packs of seed once per month;
  3. Fill out the seed checkout slip with library card number;
  4. Place checkout slip in box marked: Seed Check-Outs.
Southern Appalachian Studies Logo Blue transparent
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. 

​