Local actions: seed libraries
Seed libraries are a great way to ensure that there are plenty of seeds to share amongst your community. Tasmania has numerous seed libraries across the state, including locations in Deloraine, Launceston, Wynyard, Penguin, Devonport, Mole Creek, Cygnet, and Burnie.
These community-run initiatives allow people to freely ‘borrow’ and donate seeds, with a focus on locally adapted and heirloom varieties to support food security and biodiversity. Some libraries have specific locations and hours, while others are available 24/7 or can be accessed by contacting local groups.
Some locations and contact points
- Live Well Tasmania: Seed donations can be made at locations in Wynyard and Penguin. — for inquiries, contact [email protected]
- Devonport: There are two locations at 2 Ellis Street and 98 Percy Street. More information can be found by joining their Facebook group
- Mole Creek: The ‘Read and Seed’ library is located in the Mole Creek Community Garden on Pioneer Drive
- Cygnet: The library meets on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month outside the Red Velvet Lounge at 24 Mary Street — seeds are also available 24/7 in front of Poolish & Co
- Burnie: The seed library is located at the Burnie Library, contact 64777400 for more information — you can also find information through the Burnie City Council website
- Deloraine: A seed library is run by a group that can be found on Facebook
- Launceston/Trevallyn: There is a Facebook group for ‘Gone to Seed Little Library’
- Roslyn Avenue: A Facebook page is available for this seed library
- Penguin: RESEED Centre, 30 King Edward St
- West Ulverstone Seed Library: share seeds, seedlings, cuttings and plants
- Launceston: Locations at Ravenswood Neighbourhood House, 6 Prossers Forest Road (check opening hours)
- Blackmans Bay: 249A Roslyn Avenue
- Evandale, Perth, and Longford: Seed and book libraries are available in these towns. Specific locations include Saddlers Court (Evandale), Frederick Street (Perth), and 50 Pakenham Street (Longford)
- Dover: Dover Hardware
- *******or search for one near you on Facebook or your favourite internet search engine.
How they work
- Take and give: The general model is “take what you need, give when you can”.
- Community-run: Most are volunteer-run projects to promote gardening, food security, and seed diversity.
- Share knowledge: Many groups also serve as a place to share gardening advice and learn from other members.
- Donations: You can donate your own seeds, often with instructions to use recycled materials for packets.