Washington County Library is excited to announce the launch of two seed libraries, opening at Hardwood Creek Library in Forest Lake and Wildwood Library in Mahtomedi. 

Seed libraries empower communities to develop resilient, local food options and pollinator-friendly habitats by providing a diverse selection of seeds for users to take home for free. These seed libraries are the first to open in Washington County. 

Beginning April 6, users will be able to visit the library to get up to five packets of free seeds for their garden, including vegetables and native perennials. The libraries are working with local Master Gardener groups to donate seeds and build a network of seed donation volunteers to supply the library over time. 

Grand Opening Event with Diane Wilson

Wildwood Library is hosting a grand opening event on Saturday, April 6 to celebrate the launch. There will be a variety of activities from 12-2 p.m., including a seed swap, workshops with Washington County Master Gardeners, and craft activities. 

At 2 p.m., we are excited to welcome guest speaker Diana Wilson, author of an award-winning author, speaker, and editor. Her novel The Seed Keeper, which won the 2022 Minnesota Book Award in fiction, follows Rosalie Iron Wing as she comes of age and works to preserve her family's Dakotah way of life. Wilson will talk about her work and the traditions of seed stewardship. 

This program is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.