welcome to the library

The Soulful Seed Library (The Library for short) is a project of Deep Routes to support Brooklyn-based growers and seed keepers in cultivating their seed keeping practice and connection with African and Indigenous diaspora seeds. Launching Spring 2026!

  • The Library is open to all NYC growers and seed keepers who are interested in cultivating their seed keeping practice and connection with African and Indigenous diaspora seeds.

    That said, our programming and physical seed library location focuses on catering to those residing in the borough of Brooklyn.

  • The Soulful Seed Library is an extension of Deep Routes’ mission to be a learning resource to African + Indigenous diasporic people who are interested in deepening their relationships to foodways and ecology. The Library is also an extension of our flagship series The Soul of Food.

    Additionally we’re establishing the library to further contribute to Brooklyn and NYC’s seed keeping community.

    The Library is to be a resource for local land stewards to:

    • access and exchange locally grown, adapted, and tested seeds;

    • access seed keeping supplies they can borrow;

    • have a space to process seeds;

    • find literature to guide and support their practice.

  • The Library is located in East New York Brooklyn at ENY Youth Farm and is open to active library members.

  • If you’re a land steward (e.g. farmer, gardener, or seed keeper) interested in accessing the library, exchanging seeds, and building community with other seed keepers you can complete our Member Application Form Here.

    We’re in the early stages of establishing the library this year and are excited to connect with community members to inform how the library operates and pilot seed keeping programming.

2026 Schedule

This year we’re in the early stages of building the library, establishing membership guidelines and open hours, onboarding library members, and hosting some gatherings.

If that sounds like something you want to be involved in, please complete a Membership Application so we can connect with you and send more info about participation.

If you’re just curious, sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on Library happenings.

    • Outreach for inaugural membership and seed keeping gathering.

    • Host our first gathering and library shed build out.

    • Host 1-2 seed keeping gatherings to support members’ engagement with library resources, exchange seeds, and build seed keeping skills.

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