Lane Cove Seed Library Launch

Published on 30 April 2025

Last night Council officially launched the Lane Cove Seed Library, a new initiative supporting sustainable living, with sustainability thought leader Indira Naidoo delivering a keynote speech.

Mayor Merri Southwood said she was incredibly proud to launch the initiative:

“This was a community-led idea. Council took on feedback from local permaculture groups and members of the community to create this exciting and unique initiative. A lot of work went into developing this program — a special thank you to the library staff who made it possible.”

The Lane Cove Seed Library features over 30 varieties of seeds selected for their ease of growing, with particular focus given to plants that thrived in pots and balconies. The collection includes:

• Vegetables
• Herbs
• Australian natives
• Flowers

Environmental sustainability was central to the library’s design. The shelving is repurposed, seed boxes were designed by staff and made using the Library’s laser cutter, and the seed packets are folded by student volunteers using discarded library books and magazines.

Funded through Council’s Sustainability Levy program, the Lane Cove Seed Library encourages active outdoor living, healthy eating, and contributes to food sovereignty and a circular economy. Lane Cove Library members can ‘borrow’ two seed packets per month and are encouraged to return seeds after flowering. The Lane Cove Seed Library is supported by growing guides, composting tips and seed-saving information.

In June, Council will host a Seed Saving seminar to help residents learn how to harvest seeds and donate them back to the library.

The Lane Cove Seed Library now joins a global network of over 500 seed libraries. Thank you to everyone who helped bring this project to life — including library staff, community groups and student volunteers. Council encourages all residents to borrow some seeds and get growing!