Daviess County has a thriving Extension Master Gardener Program with 60 members contributing 7,181 hours of community service in 2018 by consulting with individuals, conducting classes, assisting agents with programs, and helping to maintain the local botanical garden.  With the expertise of the Extension Master Gardeners, Extension Agent for Horticultural Education, and the Daviess County Public Library, the Seed Library was developed for Daviess County residents.  The purpose of the Seed Library is to allow people to grow different vegetables and flowers that they would not try if they had to purchase the seed.  Seeds were contributed after final sales were completed from local businesses and then repackaged into smaller amounts by the Master Gardeners. They also organized the packets and filled the card catalog drawers with seed. The seed library started 4 years ago and has served as a model for other communities in the region.  Clients can take 5 seed packets per month. During the FY 2017-18, 4,465 seed packets were checked out.   

Of the 58 people who completed the follow-up survey this fall, because of the Seed Library:  96% planted different flowers, vegetables, and herbs, 94% learned more about planting and growing their own food and flowers, 87% grew more vegetables, 85% saved  money on their grocery bill, and 77% made changes to their landscape.  Of those who have children, 87% shared that their children learned more about gardening and growing their own food.  To quote one of the surveyed participants, "This is the best program utilized by the Library!"