At the Watauga and Ashe Public Libraries, people are checking out more than books. These libraries are home to repurposed card catalogs filled with seeds donated by the Blue Ridge Seed Library Network. Community members are invited to “check-out” packets of seeds, plant them, and save seeds from their plants to return to the library.

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Through this program, the network hopes to give food-insecure people better access to fresh produce, increase community resilience, and develop a culture of sharing. In addition to sharing seeds, they provide educational opportunities on growing food and preserving seeds. The network also focuses on preserving seeds that are adapted for their geographical area, which can be hard to find in national seed catalogs.

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The Blue Ridge Seed Library Network grew out of a partnership between a local seed saving group, the High Country Seed Swap Growers Exchange, local public libraries, and Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture (BRWIA). BRWIA and the local Cooperative Extension offer workshops on saving seeds and growing produce, which are promoted through the seed library network.

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In addition to increasing access to healthy foods, the Blue Ridge Seed Library Network is committed to preserving seeds that have historical and cultural significance in Appalachia. Some of the seeds have been grown in the area since the 19th century. The network finds these seeds through local gardens, heritage societies, Native Plant Societies, local and regional seed swaps, and by word-of-mouth. People who are interested in continuing these traditions are invited to become “Dedicated Seed Savers” by committing to grow and save these heirloom seeds.