SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) is excited to pilot a new seed lending library at its Bayview Branch. Starting this March, anyone with or without a library card who is enthusiastic to try their hand at gardening will have the opportunity to stop by the Branch, pick up free seeds and start their own vegetable or herb gardens.

One key highlight of the new seed lending library is an old-fashioned card catalog, in which the seeds are neatly housed. Whether you're interested in growing tomatoes, kale, cilantro or parsley, the Bayview Branch has you covered. The Library encourages everyone to take advantage of this unique opportunity to cultivate their green thumbs and make their gardens flourish.

"We are thrilled to expand our seed lending library program to the Bayview Branch," says Annie Tang, Bayview Branch Manager. "This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to promote sustainability, environmental awareness and community engagement. We hope that by offering free seeds, we can inspire more people to discover the joy of gardening and contribute to a greener San Francisco."

The Bayview Branch seed lending library will be the third of its kind in the San Francisco Public Library system, joining the Potrero and Portola branches. These libraries have already proven to be a tremendous success, providing the community with access to seeds and fostering a sense of camaraderie among local gardeners. Borrowing seeds from the Library is simple: patrons select seeds from the collection and plant their seeds. After they have harvested their crops, they save the seeds from the heartiest and healthiest of their harvest and return the seeds to the same Library. Patrons 18 and over may access the seed libraries anytime by asking at the front desk.  Patrons younger than 18 may use the seed library when a parent or guardian is present, or with a note from a parent, guardian, teacher or community gardener.

The Library also offers an opportunity to become part of a gardening community. The Mission Bay Branch Library Garden Club is aimed at promoting gardening education and the joy of gardening, primarily for those who grow indoors or on a patio. Through a longstanding partnership with the San Francisco Master Gardeners, the Gardens of Golden Gate, Bay Area Carnivorous Plant Society and many other collaborators, they bring plants and the joy of growing to the Mission Bay neighborhood. Additionally, they host quarterly plant and seed exchanges and present topics of interest to local gardeners.

Visitors who drop by the libraries are encouraged to check out an abundance of resources, from Pam Peirce’s beloved book Golden Gate Gardening to Sunset Magazine’s popular Western Garden titles and attend the many free programs the Library offers on gardening.

For more information about the seed lending library program and other services offered by San Francisco Public Library, please visit their website at sfpl.org.