AUBURN — The Auburn Public Library is in the process of starting a vegetable seed bank and needs the help of gardeners. 

The first 60 people who sign up to participate as a seed bank volunteer can pick up two packets of free seeds at the library on the second floor.

The plan is based on the simple model of members of the public borrowing seeds, planting them in their gardens and then harvesting seeds to bring back into the library to be used for future gardens.

Organizers hope to have an official launch party in February 2014, but know that community involvement is essential to building inventory.

Seed bank volunteers can help package seeds, assist with gardening workshops and, more importantly, donate seeds.

Anyone who is able to help or who would like to get involved should call 333-6640, ext. 4, email [email protected] or fill out the online Seed Bank volunteer sheet at www.auburnpubliclibrary.org. Click on the link that says “Attention gardeners.”