Something's Growing in the Library: Demonstrating Sustainability Impacts Through Seed Libraries

College students are increasingly experiencing food insecurity, and many campuses are in food deserts. Seed libraries, which provide communities with free seeds, are a new and growing means for academic libraries to help campuses address food insecurity, stimulate conversations about sustainability and gardening, and promote healthy eating. Further, the provision of seed libraries by academic libraries is one way libraries can work toward the United Nations’ (UN) Zero Hunger and Good Health and Well-Being sustainability goals. This case study reviews how two seed libraries were grown within the California State University (CSU) system at the Dominguez Hills and Los Angeles (LA) campuses. Practical advice is provided on advocating for funding to start a seed library, planning for ongoing maintenance of seed supplies, and connecting seed library efforts to campus and university missions.