The Seed Library is a unique part of HPL’s collection. Instead of checking out items, you’re able to take seeds to grow in your garden, all for free! What’s the catch? All we need is for you to return some of those seeds, whether they are left over from what you did not use or whether they are harvested from the end of the season. That way the Seed Library can work for future patrons in the years to come.

Take

Drop by HPL. The Seed Library is located by the staircase. Select the seeds you want; the drawers are divided into Flowers, Plants, and Vegetables.

Grow

Grow your plants. If you have any left over seeds, feel free to bring them back to the seed library for other patrons to use.

Return

At the end of the season, if possible, harvest your seeds and bring them back to the seed library. You will place your seeds in one of the small envelopes provided in the basket on top of the seed library. Be sure to label the envelope with the name of the plant and the year grown.

Propagation Station

Propagation plants are cuttings made from established plants, rooted in water to become plants.  We now have a Propagation Station at the Homewood Library, located on the south side of the building, by the CDs and DVDs.

How it Works:

  1. Take a cutting from one of the vases, wet a paper towel, and wrap the roots in the paper towel. Place the cutting(s) in a plastic bag to carry home.  Please take only the cutting…leave the glass vases in their wooden holders. The library provides all the materials for transport.
  2. The name of the plant is on the wooden skewer. Reference the binder to find plant and the care instructions needed for that plant.  Take a photo of the instructions with your phone to reference when you get home!
  3. There is a limit of two (2) cuttings per visit
  4. We welcome cutting donations! Please bring your rooted plants wrapped in a paper towel (in a bag) with the name and care instructions on the bag. Bring your donations to the Adult Services desk, and we will take care of the rest!
  5. We cannot accept whole plants in dirt.  Cuttings only, please!
  6. Plant cuttings can be taken from our collection by anyone in the community. You do not need a library card.