Seeds at the Richmond Public Library in 2015. Photo: Liz Hafalia/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) is piloting a new seed lending library at its Bayview branch, and it's available to anyone with or without a library card.
Why it matters: Seed libraries have become a popular way to collect local and heirloom varieties, especially those at risk of extinction.
How it works: At Bayview, visitors will find an old-fashioned card catalog housing the seeds for tomatoes, kale, cilantro, parsley and other plants.
After planting them, patrons are expected to save the seeds from the healthiest of their harvest and return them to the same library.
The initiative is part of SFPL's effort to promote sustainability and community engagement.
"We hope that by offering free seeds, we can inspire more people to discover the joy of gardening and contribute to a greener San Francisco," Annie Tang, Bayview branch manager, said in a press release.
State of play: Bayview is the SFPL system's third seed lending library, following Potrero and Portola.
SFPL also offers the opportunity to join the Mission Bay Branch Library Garden Club.
