ABQ-BERNCO Seed Library

How the Seed Library Works

About the ABQ-BernCo Seed Library

The goal of the Seed Library is to encourage a community of home gardeners by providing free seeds. Anyone with a library card in good standing can check out up to 30 seed packets per calendar year (January to December).

How to Get Seeds

We offer a wide variety of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds. To explore what's available, you can visit the South Broadway branch, where all seeds are stored behind the circulation desk.

If you can't make it to South Broadway, you can also request seeds to be sent to one of the following branches for pickup:

• East Mountain
• Juan Tabo
• Rudolfo Anaya/North Valley
• San Pedro
• South Valley
• Taylor Ranch
• Westgate

To do this, simply fill out the online Customer Seed Request Form. You'll be contacted when your seeds are ready for pickup. Please do not phone the library with your seed request.

When you request seeds, be prepared to provide your full name, library card number, preferred method of contact (email or phone number), and your preferred pickup location.

Our Seed Catalog

The ABQ-BernCo Seed Catalog is a living document that we update frequently as we run out of and add new seeds. It lists all currently in-stock seeds and is available on our Online Order Form page.

Please note: We no longer accept personally created digital or electronic requests. To place an online order, please use the new form linked above.

Seed Categories

You will find seeds in four main categories:

• Vegetables: We offer garden staples like tomatoes, lettuce, and carrots, as well as a rotating selection of varieties like asparagus, artichoke, and more.
• Herbs: Our core collection includes culinary herbs such as basil and cilantro. We also offer medicinal herbs like chamomile and lemon balm.
• Flowers: A garden isn't complete without flowers! We have edible flowers, companion plants for your garden, and beautiful ornamental flowers.
• Donated: Thanks to local pollinator groups and generous supporters, we have been gifted seeds that help maintain our desert ecosystem.

Seed Packet Information

Each seed packet provides helpful information to guide you:

• Water and Sun: The label indicates how much sun and water are needed.
• Seed Saving: A colored star indicates the difficulty of saving seeds: green for easy, yellow for intermediate, and red for experienced seed savers.
• Instructions: You will also find a box with germination and growing instructions.

Community and Programs

The Seed Library encourages a community of home gardeners. We host free monthly lectures and workshops on gardening. A full list of programs for the next six months can be found in our "How to Use the ABQ-Bernco Seed Library" brochure, which is available at all 18 library branches and online.

After a successful harvest, we encourage you to save seeds, share them with friends, or donate them back to the community to continue the cycle for future seasons.

Get our Brochure:

Please let the library know where you would like to pick up your seeds. Seeds can be picked up at the following locations: East Mountain, Juan Tabo, Rudolfo Anaya/North Valley, San Pedro, South Broadway, South Valley, Taylor Ranch or Westgate.