UPSem Library & Shalom Farms Community Seed Library

Union Presbyterian Seminary Library and Shalom Farms are pleased to announce that we are partnering together to establish a community seed library in Richmond. Starting May 12, 2025, the big card catalog on the lower level of William Smith Morton Library at UPSem will be home to a large (and growing!) selection of vegetable, fruit, herb, and flower seeds that are freely available to the public. Most of the seeds have been generously donated by Shalom Farms. Together we want to encourage Richmonders to get outside and grow something beautiful, delicious, and nutritious. Over time we hope to cultivate a seed library full of climate-resilient seeds that grow well in our region. Gardening helps us connect with God’s very good creation (Gen 1:31) and is a sustainable way to nurture our bodies by exercising and eating more healthy foods.

Anyone can use UPSem/Shalom Farms Community Seed Library – you don’t have to have a Library membership. Just fill out a user card and drop it in the sign-up box, then fill in your name and email address on the seed check-out page for any seeds you take. Users are welcome to take up to 10 different kinds of seeds per season (only one packet of a particular plant variety, please!). There is growing information on the seed’s check-out page; we recommend snapping a photo of it with your phone camera. You can help the seed library grow by drying some of the seeds from your harvest and donating them back to the library for others to grow next year! While you’re at the Library, don’t miss our children’s books about gardening as well as our books on gardening and spirituality. A community membership to the UPSem Library will allow you to check out books to take home, and costs only $25 per year.