It's probably not a new idea, but it surely seems novel in the 2010's. The Duluth Public Library has announced a new seed lending program - to go along with the other materials that you can check out.
In a Minnesota first, the Duluth Public Library announced the launch of the Duluth Public Seed Lending Library. Library Manager Carla Powers announced that beginning in Spring 2014 Duluth Public Library customers may borrow seeds to grow in their gardens. People will be asked to save a portion of the seeds for themselves and return a portion to the seed library.