This article was printed in OPL's quarterly newsletter, Connect, Volume 32, Issue 1 (April 2025).
Grow Your Garden with OPL's Common Soil Seed Library
Gone are the days of flipping through a wooden card catalog’s drawers for a book record. Today, these artifacts of the analog age have found new purpose at Omaha Public Library. They are home to the Common Soil Seed Library, a collection of open-pollinated and heirloom seeds that library card holders can check out for free, take home and plant in their gardens.
Ready for Spring Planting?
Unlike borrowing a book, seeds are the one thing you check out but don’t return. When you’re ready to plant your garden, start by browsing the seed drawers at any branch (except Genealogy & Local History Room) or searching the catalog online at omahalibrary.org/seed-library to place seeds on hold for pick-up at your local branch.
Right now, there are nearly 150 seed varieties available. Library card holders can check out up to 15 packets of seeds per month, which resets at the start of a new month.
Behind the Scenes at OPL’s Common Soil Seed Library
Stocking and maintaining the Common Soil Seed Library is a continuous process, whether it is growing season or not. Here’s what happens before seeds reach those drawers:
- Seed selection: Our Collection Processing Manager chooses seeds based on user demand and availability from suppliers.
- Packing: A team of staff and volunteers print seed information on thousands of envelopes, and then carefully fill each one. Each packet typically has 10-15 seeds, depending on size and viability.
- Cataloging: Seeds are inventoried, and then eventually given a barcode label when branches can request them.
- Distribution: Seeds are delivered to the requesting branch where a library staff member files them in the repurposed wooden card catalog for patrons to browse. When a patron places seeds on hold, they are stored in upcycled VHS cases, and added to the holds section for pick-up.
Flowers, Vegetables and Food Literacy
Last year, the top three circulating seed varieties were Santo Cilantro, Cut & Come Again Zinnias, and Bloomsdale Spinach, just a small sample of the variety of seeds available. From fruits and vegetables to herbs and flowers, the Common Soil Seed Library’s purpose has been to support food literacy, urban agriculture, and biodiversity. Since its launch in 2013, local gardeners have contributed to a culture of sustainability while building local seed stocks better suited to our community’s climate.
Gardeners are welcome to donate open-pollinated and heirloom seeds to help keep the collection growing. As planting season approaches, we can’t wait to see what you grow! Share your gardening progress by tagging OPL on social media!
Upcoming Gardening Workshop and Programs
Be sure to check out OPL’s upcoming workshops and programs focused on sustainable gardening, outdoor storytimes and more—perfect for just getting outside or seasoned green thumbs to enjoy.
Gardening Workshop with No More Empty Pots
- Various dates, locations
- Explore upcoming workshops for teens
Out & About Storytime: Dundee Community Garden
- April 30, May 28, June 25 | 4902 Underwood Ave.
- Add this to your calendar
Volunteer Garden Cleanup
- 2nd Saturday of the Month, 9 to 11 a.m. | Charles B. Washington Branch
- Browse future dates
Spark Your Story: No More Empty Pots
- Thursday, June 5, 4 to 5 p.m. | Charles B. Washington Branch
- Learn more about this program for teens
The Garden Walk
- Saturday, Aug. 16, 9 a.m. to noon | Charles B. Washington Branch
- Get the details here
Keep an eye on our full events calendar at omahalibrary.org/events for the latest workshops, programs, and seasonal offerings.
About Omaha Public Library
Omaha Public Library (OPL) strengthens our communities by connecting people with ideas, information, and innovative services, acting as an essential catalyst, collaborator, and connector. Learn about OPL's collections, facilities, services, programs and more at omahalibrary.org.
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