The 2025 Seed Library is Now Closed

Thank you for visiting our 2025 Seed Library! We hope you found something you love. Please visit the links below to learn about what we offered this year, and find more information about seeds you may have selected. 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. 

 

Herbs

Vegetables

Flowers


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 will open for the season on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Barrington Area Library cards will be required between 10am-1pm; after 1pm all are welcome. 

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 currently closed. Our season generally runs from late January through the end of April, or while supplies last. 


Seed Library Resources

Seed Sources:

Johnny's Selected Seeds

Main Street Seed

Prairie Moon Nursery

True Leaf Market

 

Helpful Info

ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants for Pets

Germinating Native Seeds

Master Gardener Help Desk


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. 

Our 2025 season has now come to a close. We hope to see you next year! 


Local Gardening News

2025 Seed Library Suggestion Form

Aggressive Plants

BALibrary Garden & Environment Webinars

Composting 101

Conservation @ Home

Garden Design Basics

Illinois Native Plant Database

Jumping Worm Fact Sheet