Use the New Orleans Public Library to help you reach your full gardening potential with their extensive resource collection, including their two seed libraries, one located in Mid-City and the other in Algiers Point.

Cita Dennis Hubbell Seed Library, 725 Pelican Avenue
The Cita Dennis Hubbell Seed Library is open to all–no Library card required. The seeds are donated from Hudson Valley Seed Co., West Coast Seeds, Botanical Interests, and Seed Savers Exchange.

Rules

  • Any person can take seeds. A library card is not required.
  • There is no limit on how many packets you can take, or how often, but staff request that you take no more than needed.
  • Seeds don’t need to be returned, but you are welcome to donate your own seeds to help the collection grow.
  • Seeds can be reserved by calling Hubbell Library at (504) 596-3113.
  • Availability may vary. Please call or visit Cita Dennis Hubbell Library for current information on seed offerings.
  • Hubbell Seed Library is a browsing collection, which means there is no inventory. Library staff are happy to tell you in general what they have available, but not specifics. In other words, you can call to see if they have lettuce, but not which types of lettuce are in stock.

Mid-City Seed Library, 4140 Canal Street
The Mid-City Seed Library features more than 400 varieties of vegetables, flowers, and herbs, all of which can be grown in Louisiana and many that are native to our region. This library specializes in heirloom seeds, which are adapted to specific growing regions for greater success in growing your garden. The Mid-City Seed Library is sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library.

Rules

  • Library cardholders can check out up to five seed packets every six months. All packets must be of different varieties.
  • Each packet has descriptions of each seed variety and planting instructions. The Seed Library also features a catalog where you can browse photos of every plant in the collection.
  • Seeds don’t need to be returned, but you are welcome to donate your own seeds to help the collection grow and get access to more than the normal six-month seed allotment.
  • Availability may vary. Call or visit Mid-City Library for up-to-date information on seed offerings.

Recommended Reads
Whether you’re a flower fiend or seeking ways to increase your vegetable garden bounty, the Library has dozens of books to help guide your garden’s growth and spark inspiration for your next project. Get started with these great suggestions:

  • The Louisiana Urban Gardener: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Vegetables and Herbs by Kathryn K. Fontenot
  • Gardening Your Front Yard: Projects & Ideas for Big & Small Spaces by Tara Nolan
  • Growing Flowers: Everything You Need to Know about Planting, Tending, Harvesting and Arranging Beautiful Blooms by Niki Irving
  • The Earth in Her Hands: 75 Extraordinary Women Working in the World of Plants by Jennifer Jewell

 

Marie Simoneaux is the marketing associate responsible for the Library’s social media content and impact stories.