Within the Science & Engineering Library, the Mass Aggie Seed Library is quietly helping our campus grow – literally. Founded in 2019 in honor of UMass’ agricultural roots, the library offers free organic, open-pollinated, and heirloom seeds to students, staff, and community members. They offer a variety of seeds for fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs. The Library also lends gardening tools, making it even easier to get started.
Growing your own food is one of the simplest ways to practice sustainability. It reduces food miles and packaging waste, supports pollinators, and strengthens biodiversity, especially when using open-pollinated varieties that can be saved and replanted in following years.
Seed libraries are also about promoting food equity. A single seed can produce dozens more, turning one shared resource into ongoing nourishment. By keeping seeds free and community-sourced (and intentionally avoiding patented varieties), the Mass Aggie Seed Library promotes accessible, non-commercial growing for all.
The process is simple:
- Scoop a small portion of seeds into a checkout envelope
- Log what you take
- Grow them at home
- Return seeds from healthy plants if you can
It’s self-serve and open during regular library hours.
Over at the Franklin Permaculture Garden, a smaller Little Seed Library offers free corn, beans, herbs, and vegetables–many saved from previous harvests.
Planting a seed is a small but powerful act. Stop by the Seed Libraries, take a handful, and grow something new!
To learn more about the Mass Aggie Seed Library, visit: https://guides.library.umass.edu/seedlibrary