We have compiled answers to our most frequently asked questions. Please see below:

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Q: How can I donate seeds or other materials to the Bloom Seed Library?

A: Donations can be made at the library, an approved pickup/donation location, or through other arrangement made by special request to info@BloomSeedLibrary.org.

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Q: Do I have to become a member to check out seeds? If so, why?

A: Yes, to ensure that we meet the PA Department of Agriculture's liability guidelines for non-commercial seed sharing, we do require membership to check out seeds. Membership is free, and we require only your contact information. The purpose is so we have records of where donated seeds come from, and where they go once they leave our hands.

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Q: Are you a non-profit?

A: We are not, but we do plan to move in the direction of a non-profit someday. We are currently structured as a seed sharing club. If you become a member, you will be informed once the Bloom Seed Library moves to a non-profit status. We do accept financial and material donations which will be used exclusively to cover operational cost. The officers of the library are unpaid volunteers.

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Q: How do you get your seeds for the library?

A: We receive seeds from members who harvest from their gardens, harvest from the wild, and also due to donations from seed companies across North America.

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Q: Why are some seed packets plastic and others paper?

A: We began filling packets with donated seeds using donated plastic seed bags. Once the bags had all been used, we moved to the next donated materials, which are paper based.

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Q: Why aren't there planting instructions on the seed packets?

A: The library started with one person managing all parts of the organization. The hope was that planting instructions could be added before the library went live. Due to time constraints, that was not possible upon opening day. As part of the improvement and advancement of the library, we hope to have help from volunteers to add instructions to the packets over time. A Google search is also helpful for instruction and would provide fast results. 

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Q: Why is the library in cardboard trading card containers with handwritten information?

A: As with the question above, the library started with one person managing all parts of the organization. The majority of the time was put into cataloguing the seeds, writing donations requests, and developing the library rules and protocols with the PA DEPT of AG. With every year and donation, the library will become more sophisticated and user friendly.

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