by Nancy Puckett, Fulton County Master Gardener Extension Volunteer
This article is part of Garden Buzz, a series from Appen Media and the North Fulton Master Gardeners, where rotating columnists explore horticulture topics like herbs, insects, and wildlife conservation. Find all Garden Buzz articles here.
The local library is a great way to get involved with your community. They offer all kinds of events and activities. I enjoy being at the library so much I decided to volunteer there. While I was volunteering at the Roswell Public Library, I became aware of their seed library. Being a Master Gardener, this grabbed my attention.
To learn more about the Roswell Seed Library, I interviewed the library staff currently responsible for maintaining it. Here’s what I learned:
Q: Why was the seed library created at the Roswell Library?
A: The Roswell seed library, like most seed libraries, was developed to inspire people to grow their own food, explore healthy eating, learn about the environment and connect library resources with hands-on activities. By freely offering seeds to the community, the library promotes learning, self-reliance and the joy of sharing.
In doing some research I discovered that seed libraries started taking off in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when everyone was stuck at home. The first public library in the United States to start a seed library was the New York Public Library in 2004. Today there are over 500 volunteer-run seed libraries available worldwide.
Q: Is Roswell the only Fulton County library with a seed library?
A: No — Alpharetta, Milton, Sandy Springs and Adamsville-Collier Heights all have seed libraries. However, Roswell’s newly revitalized program introduces unique features and practices that set it apart.
Q: How does the seed library work?
A: Unlike traditional library materials, the Roswell seed library is open to everyone. No library card is required. Families can check out up to five seed packets per month, with a limit of one packet per variety. To participate, visitors simply record their selections on the sign-out sheet adjacent to the seed library, which is housed in a vintage card catalog. The program operates on an honor system and no seed or harvest returns are required. Seed library policies and procedures may vary from library to library.
Q: What type of seeds are typically available at the Roswell seed library?
A: The collection includes a wide selection of seeds for fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers, which offer residents the opportunity to grow everything from kitchen staples to colorful blooms.
Q: What other resources and services does the Roswell library provide in coordination with their seed library?
A: To help gardeners choose the right seeds, the library offers a comprehensive seed catalog, complete with visual guides showing what type of plant each seed produces and additional details about each variety, such as growth habits and ideal planting conditions. Monthly planting and gardening calendars are also available to help residents plan and maintain their gardens. There’s typically a variety of seasonal gardening books as well as cookbooks on display.
Plus, there’s always something new to surprise and delight at the Roswell seed library: seedling giveaways and a pumpkin raffle in October. Monthly limited-edition, themed grab-and-go seed bundles are popular and are available while supplies last. Examples of past seed bundles include: a taco pack (jalapenos, tomatoes and cilantro), a pickling pack (broccoli, carrots and cabbage), and a pizza pack (peppers, basil and tomatoes). Each pack includes a sample recipe.
Q: Are seed donations accepted?
A: Seed donations are not currently being accepted, due to some licensing/patent restrictions and fear of spreading disease. However, patrons are encouraged to bring any leftover seeds they have harvested or any store-bought seed packets to periodic seed swap programs hosted at Roswell Library. Seeds should be dried and packaged in small containers with pertinent growing information prior to the event.
Q: When’s the next seed swap?
A: National Seed Swap Day is celebrated on the last Saturday of January. To honor this tradition of swapping seeds with neighbors, the Roswell Library will host a Seed Swap on Friday, January 30, 2026. It’s a day for gardeners to gather to swap seeds, share gardening tips and prepare for spring planting.
The library plans to have seeds available and will offer raffles and prizes to those who attend. In addition, North Fulton Master Gardeners will offer advice and be available to answer questions. Any gardener who attends is encouraged to bring their gardening stories and photos to share. For more information, check out the library’s website for details.
Next time you visit the Roswell library, be sure to ask about their seed library. And if your library does not yet have one, maybe you can get one started. Just thought I’d plant the seed in your mind.
Happy Gardening!
About the Author
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Nancy Puckett, a North Fulton Master Gardener since 2016. Nancy has volunteered with numerous Master Gardener projects. Her gardening passions are herbs, ferns and hostas. She especially enjoys preparing lavender and rosemary sachets for greeting cards. In addition, she also volunteers part of her time at the Roswell Library.
