Check it out! Menlo Park Seed Lending Library

Published on October 10, 2025

People of a certain age may remember when libraries used card catalogs to track and find books. While Menlo Park’s library catalog went electronic long ago, the classic card catalog cabinets are still in service for a renewed, enivornmentally sustainable purpose!

Located in repurposed card catalogs at Menlo Park Library and Belle Haven Library, the Menlo Park Seed Lending Library provides access to heritage seeds, gardening workshops, education and resources. Its purpose is to encourage residents to grow food and foster community resilience, self-reliance and a culture of sharing.

Autumn is a perfect time to start planning your garden and preparing your seed starts. The seed lending library operates as a community seed exchange in which borrowers can “check out” a wide variety of vegetable and flower seeds to plant in their gardens for home use. Join us for monthly Garden Talks, and see below for information about the upcoming Seed Swap event!  

• Community Seed Swap - Saturday, Oct. 18. Garden lovers: join us out on the Menlo Park Library patio for a community seed swap! Do you have extra seeds that may not get used? Here is your chance to swap with other gardeners. All are invited to attend—you do not have to bring seeds to participate in the seed swap. If you do have seeds to share, please be sure that they are clean and dry, and packaged in small quantities for distribution.  Please label the packages with the plant name or variety. Saturday, October 18, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more

Learn more about Menlo Park Seed Lending Library