MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW) — The Marion Public Library (MPL) announced the launch of a new Seed Library, a service designed to provide free seeds to Marion County residents and foster local gardening. The initiative, which begins Sept. 8, 2025, aims to promote biodiversity, sustainability, and community food security.
Residents ages 13 and older can check out up to 10 packets of seeds each month from the second-floor Information Services Desk. No prior gardening experience is necessary, as the library has partnered with Tim Barnes of the Marion OSU Extension Office to provide educational resources with each seed type.
The MPL Seed Library operates on an honor system and is fully supported by donations. All seeds are from new, unopened packets contributed by generous donors including High Mowing Organic Seeds, Miller’s Country Garden, Rural King Marion (Livingston Seeds), Scioto Garden’s Nursery, Sow Right Seeds, and TomatoFest. Some seeds have been repackaged by library staff to serve more participants.
To get started, residents must fill out a registration form at the Information Services Desk. Seeds are for personal, non-commercial use only.
For more information, visit MarionLibrary.org/SeedLibrary and check the library’s calendar for related gardening programs.