The Chula Vista Public Library recently launched the City’s first-ever ‘seed library,’ which allows members of the public to take home and plant vegetable, flower, and herb seeds in their own gardens at no cost. The seed library is seasonal and will operate during the spring and summer months. All three Chula Vista Public Library branches; Civic Center, South Chula Vista, and Otay Ranch Town Center offer the new feature, which is available to anyone with a Chula Vista Public Library card.

Seed libraries are an up-and-coming concept across the country. The goal of seed libraries is to foster community engagement in sustainable gardening practices and promote biodiversity in local ecosystems. Libraries provide the initial seeds, then patrons who plant seeds this year are encouraged to come back with seeds to donate next year. Each seed variety will come with a QR code for information on plant care.

“When we share and save seeds, we aren’t just helping build a more varied and sustainable future,” said Natalie Vega, a branch manager at the Otay Ranch Town Center Library. “We are also strengthening the connection between people and bringing them closer to the roots of food.”

The program is funded through a $30,000 California State Library grant. Librarians at the Otay Ranch Town Center Branch had noticed community interest in gardening and sought the grant in June 2023. The funds have been used to purchase hundreds of starter seeds from the San Diego Seed Company. To help introduce the concept, Chula Vista Library branches hosted several workshops beginning this spring for kids, with nature walks at local parks and garden-themed story times.

For more information on the seed library, please contact or visit any Chula Vista Public Library.