2025 Seed Library is Open!
Stop by to see what we’re offering in the Seed Library this season. The Seed Library is located next to the elevator on the first floor, and is available to everyone during normal Library hours. Seeds are free and available while supplies last. Produce seeds are organic and non-GMO.
Please visit the links below to learn about what we're offering this year, and what we currently have in stock. Questions or comments? Please email lkirchhoff@balibrary.org. Happy growing!
Want to suggest that we add a seed for next year? Use our handy form.
Seed Library FAQ
Q. What’s in the Seed Library?
A. We stock a variety of native and common garden seeds. Produce seeds are non-GMO and organic, and we try to offer both very common seeds (like basil and cosmos) as well as seeds you may not commonly see in stores.
Q. What do the seeds cost?
A. Seeds are free!
Q. Do I need to have a library card to use the Seed Library?
A. Our Seed Library opens on Wednesday, January 29 at 10 AM; BALibrary cards are required for the first three hours. The Seed Library is available for all to use, with or without a library card, after 1 PM.
Q. I have questions about seeds that you’re offering. Who can I ask?
A. The Illinois Master Gardener Help Desk is an excellent resource if you have questions about your garden or particular plants. If you have questions about our program or particular seeds we’re offering, you can contact librarian Liz Kirchhoff at lkirchhoff@balibrary.org.
Q. Do you take seed donations?
A. Yes! You can drop seeds off at the Customer Service desk at the front of the Library. Please include the name of the seed and a way for us to contact you in case we have questions.
Q. How long is the Seed Library available?
A. The Seed Library is available until we run out of seed stocks for the year. Last year we gave our last seeds in April, so we encourage you to visit early!
Seed Library Resources
Seed Sources:
Helpful Info
ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants for Pets
About Our Teaching Garden and Teaching Prairie
Begun in 2021 as a partnership between the Library, the Barrington Breakfast Rotary Club, and the University of Illinois Extension Cook County North Master Gardeners, our Teaching Garden is an outdoor classroom for hands-on, multi-generational learning, as well as a quiet place to relax and read. Located in the southeast corner of the Library’s upper parking lot, the Garden is fully accessible, and offers comfortable seating in a beautiful setting.
Teaching Garden Workshops
Tuesdays, 9:30-11 AM
Local gardeners provide hands-on instruction in seasonal gardening tasks. From 9:30-10 we’ll focus on basic garden maintenance. From 10-11, we’ll focus on a specific gardening topic. Meets weekly starting after Mother's Day, weather permitting. Registration suggested.
Local Gardening News
2025 Seed Library Suggestion Form
BALibrary Garden & Environment Webinars