Seed Library cabinet with people on either side, holding packets of seeds
Library employees Barb Laughlin-Karon and Liz Kirchhoff stand with the Seed Library on its launch day in February 2020.

When the Seed Library made its debut in February 2020, it sparked a joyful gardening boom, an unforeseen source of delight during the difficult times of the pandemic. Each year the Library buys (or receives through donations), packages, and distributes seeds for free through its Seed Library. On Seed Library Launch Day in 2025, BALibrary gave away over 30,000 seed packets to happy gardeners in our community.

In July of 2021, the Library opened its Teaching Garden (and later a Teaching Prairie) where community members can learn about and help with the gardening through workshops and other programming. The Teaching Garden was a collaboration between the Library, Barrington Rotary, and the Master Gardeners.

Photograph of bench out in the Teaching Garden, flowers growing on the side, Library visible in the distance
The Library's Teaching Garden is a peaceful oasis for passers-by, as well as a destination for those wishing to learn more about the art and science of gardening.