Maple Grove Woman Offers Free Seed Library for Neighbors

Budding gardeners can get a free start at planting thanks to one Maple Grove neighbor.

Avid gardener Amber Olsen’s started a Little Free Seed Library, her small way of encouraging people to grow produce.

The box contains seeds of all kinds, including vegetable and flower seeds. There’s also books to take.

Other area free libraries inspired Olsen’s family to build their own. They put this one together with a community effort. The box was painted by local children’s illustrator Cora Hays.

Olsen’s free seed library is the newest addition to her suburban garden.

Olsen hopes the library inspires more people to grow their own food.

“Growing food locally is one of the biggest things you can do to impact a global food system,” Olsen said. “As far as resource  and energy consumption and waste– all those things.”

Olsen said the library is seeking more books, and if you have seeds to share, they’re welcome too.

The book and seed library is located at 9225 Ives Ln. N in Maple Grove. Anyone is welcome to take from or add to the library.

Olsen said she’s working to create a resting spot by the library, complete with a bench and decor of its own.

Maple Grove