The Seed Library by MWL Library and Knowledge Service

What is a seed library?

MWLLibrary — 2026-10-07 13:15:22 UTC

Seed Libraries are places where people 'borrow' seeds for gardening, which in turn helps promote seed diversity and local food production

By trialling a seed library at Hanley Library, Southport, staff can come and take seeds to plant in either their personal garden or in indoor containers. We currently stock vegetable, flower and herb seeds for any staff at MWL to borrow, grow and donate

1. Choose your seeds

MWLLibrary — 2026-10-07 13:17:37 UTC

Choose what seeds you'd like to grow from the Seed Library boxes at Hanley Library, Southport. You can choose from vegetables, flowers and herbs

The seeds are kept in alphabetical order and behind each divider are small brown packets of seeds to take away. each packet will have a QR code to a website with more information on how to grow them

2. Record your details

MWLLibrary — 2026-10-07 13:28:27 UTC

Please write down the details of what you have borrowed in the logbook supplied

You can choose to leave your name if you wish but this is not compulsory. It would, however, be really useful if you could let us know the type of seed you have taken so we can monitor stock levels

3. Go and grow!

MWLLibrary — 2026-10-07 13:32:47 UTC

There is no need to be a member of MWL Library and Knowledge Service to borrow from the Seed Library. You are welcome to pop along and help yourself!

However, if you would like to access the seeds outside of staffed hours, you might like to register with the library to ensure you have 24-hour access with your staff ID card

Registering will also mean you are eligible to borrow from our range of gardening books. These will give you tips and advice to grow successfully. You can search our catalogue here

Why are we doing this?

MWLLibrary — 2026-10-07 13:47:52 UTC

The Library Team are always keen to support the wellbeing of staff through our services and resources, and gardening is said to have a positive effect on our mental health, particularly in reducing depression and anxiety (King's Fund, 2016)

In 2021, the RHS released research that revealed those who garden every day have wellbeing scores 6.6% higher and stress levels 4.2% lower than people who don't garden at all (RHS, 2021)

The scheme offers a free way for staff to try something new or to encourage staff to affordably grow their own food or flowers

It also promotes biodiversity and preserves genetic diversity

How can i donate?

MWLLibrary — 2026-10-07 13:57:01 UTC

There are two ways you can support the Seed Library by donating seeds:

1. Donating from your own planting

Once you have harvested and enjoyed your plants, the seeds from that harvest can be returned to the Seed Library for the next growing season. Users aren't required to donate their harvest but the more seeds we receive back in the library means the more sustainable our scheme will be!

The only requirement will be to return donations with growing instructions for the next user

To donate your own saved seeds to the library:

Help yourself to the blank seed packets in the donation tray
We recommend including 5-10 seeds per envelope
Please ensure the labels on the seed packets are completed before dropping off
Enter your donation in the logbook

2. Donating bought seeds

Alternatively we will always welcome donations of seeds which haven't been grown by users too! If you want to contribute to the Seed Library by picking up some seeds from your local garden centre or similar, you are welcome to drop them off unopened in the donation tray

Contact us

MWLLibrary — 2026-10-07 14:03:21 UTC

Our Seed Library is only just sprouting (!) and how it operates will be subject to change as we grow. As such we would be especially grateful for - and responsive to - your feedback

If you are interested in getting involved by borrowing or donating, please do get in touch! Email us via library@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk

We would also be especially interested to follow your progress as you grow. If you are keen on using social media, please do tag us in your posts and stories on Facebook and Instagram

Please use the #MWLSeedLibrary hashtag in your posts!

We'll also leave comment cards at the Seed Library for you to leave feedback anonymously if you prefer

From keen gardeners to green-fingered novices, we are very much looking forward to your support #TeamMWL