Welcome to the San Rafael Seed Library!
San Rafael Downtown Library is proud to announce the grand opening of our new community Seed Library on National Seed Swap Day, January 31st between 10am and noon. Marin Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions and illustrate methods of seed starting and planting. You will be able to choose seed packets and learn about edible and pollinator planting. They will also provide a seed strip workshop for all ages to be able to take home and plant in your own garden. Attendees are invited to bring and exchange seeds, but donations are not required to attend. Learn more about this event here.
What is a Seed Library?
A seed library collects and stores seeds that allows gardeners to “borrow” donated seeds for free. Choose from a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flower seeds, as well as native plant seeds. Plant them in your garden and at the end of your growing season you can save seeds from the plants you grew and return those seeds to the library. Once donated, seeds are labeled and packaged so they can be “checked out” for the next growing season.
Thanks to the UC Marin Master Gardeners, especially Marie Steckmest and her team, for helping to launch our program. Marie has helped start seed libraries across Marin County since 2023. For Marie, getting seed libraries up and running is about “being able to help people learn about gardening, get native seeds and other varieties that they normally wouldn’t have access to.” Check our Seed Library webpage for resources provided by UC Marin Master Gardeners.
Want to get more involved?
Join us each 2nd Wednesday of the month at 2 PM at the Downtown Library when we have a Marin Master Gardener talk on various gardening topics. Learn more here.
National Seed Swap Celebration
Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 10 AM–12 PM
San Rafael Downtown Library | 1100 E St
Learn more about this event here
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