About usJust as one seed can produce many seeds, one idea can change many lives. Free public libraries were revolutionary in their time because they provided access to books and knowledge that had not previously been available to a large segment of the population. A free seed lending library can also provide people with a chance to transform their lives and communities by providing access to fresh, healthy food that may not otherwise be available.
The Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library is open to everyone and provides, in addition to seeds, education about growing and saving seeds and organic gardening. It is our hope that seed library patrons will return some seeds from their harvest to make the library self-sustaining. We are committed to saving and sharing rare and unique varieties in particular ones that have cultural significance to our community. We believe that we can preserve biodiversity of our seed stock, create locally adapted resilient seeds while increasing food security. Our library is maintained by volunteers and supported by donations. Get involved! Together We Can Do It! |
Co-Founder and Coordinator
Rebecca Newburn is a permaculturalist and math and science educator for over 30 years. In 2010, she attended Seed School with Bill McDorman. Her "Create a Library" resources have been used to support hundreds of seed libraries open around the world.
She also developed and curates the SeedLibraries.net resources. Several years ago, when legal challenges arose around our right to save and share seeds locally, she was a partner in the National Save Seed Sharing Campaign. The Campaign successfully passed legislation to protect seed sharing in key states and amended the Recommended Universal State Seed Law to exempt seed libraries from commercial regulations. She is a charter member of the Richmond Rivets, a transition town initiative in Richmond, California, where she lives. She can sometimes be seen walking around dressed as Rosie the Riveter. She loves her "Can Do" spirit and she's a hometown girl. Rebecca also created the 2 Steps a Month to Emergency Preparedness project, a program to help prepare individuals and their communities for disasters. Contact information: richmondgrows@gmail.com |