ABQ-BERNCO Seed Library

FAQS

 

What do I need to place a seed order?

You only need an Albuquerque/Bernalillo County The Public Library card (the card should be in good standing and not expired).

 

How do I place my order?

There are several options: You may visit a participating library location to have them send your completed seed request to the South Broadway location, fill out the online version at home or from any branch catalog computer (OPAC), visit us directly at the South Broadway Library branch. Please note: at the moment you may still send a printed catalogue request by snail mail addressed to the South Broadway Library. 

 

May I place my order at any library?

Yes, from any branch catalog computer (OPAC) but seed order pick ups are only allowed from one of the eight locations specified in the request form.

 

Are you able to send my order to any library?

We can only send your order to one of the eight locations specified in the request form.

 

Do you take phone orders?

Unfortunately, we do not accept telephone orders.

 

Do I have to return my seeds?

Although you must use your library card to “check out” the seeds, you are not required to return them. If you are a gardener who saves seeds from your harvest, please bring them to one of our Seed Swap events. Ask us about them today!

 

What do the seeds come in?

The seeds are packaged in envelope packets and labeled with a sticker that includes information about planting, germination, recommended sunlight, and the name of the seed provider.

How long will the branch hold my requested seed order once it has been delivered to my selected pick up location?

Once you have been notified that your order has been processed, expect to receive another notification alerting you once your order arrives to the selected location. Please be advised that prompt pick up is appreciated, as seeds orders may get sent back if left on the shelf. 

 

How many seed packets can I get?

You may check out up to 30 seed packets per calendar year, 1 packet per variety. However, some donated seeds listed on the request form do not count toward your 30.

 

Can I have more than one packet of each variety?

Only one packet of each variety is allowed. This is the best way we have found to keep access to the seed library as fair as possible.

 

What do you mean by “variety”?

In this context, variety refers to the specific, named type of a seed. For example, we have many kinds of radishes. Each unique type, like 'Cherry Belle Radish' or 'Easter Egg II Radish,' is considered a single variety. A person can get one packet of each of these varieties. However, they can't get multiple packets of the same exact variety—for instance, two packets of 'Cherry Belle Radish.'

 

Do I have to get all 30 packets right away?

The choice is yours! Some customers choose to spread their orders out over the year, while others split 15 in the spring and 15 in the fall to match our purchase orders, and still others order all 30 at once. Everyone has different needs.

 

I've used up my allotted 30. When can I order more?

All accounts are reset to zero at the start of the following year. You can start ordering seeds again at that time.

 

Are the seeds accessible year-round?

You can order from the seed library at any time during the year. While we make every effort to meet demand, some of the varieties we offer do run out on occasion. Make sure the date on the catalog request form is the most recent so you get exactly what you need.

 

Are the seeds organic?

Some seeds, excluding donated seeds, are open-pollinated, non-GMO, certified organic, untreated, and free of pesticides whenever possible.

 

Where do you purchase the seeds from?

The seeds in our inventory were purchased from Territorial Seed Company and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange.

Our donated seeds were generously purchased by a patron from various commercial sources and then given to us so that others could preserve our desert ecosystem.