The Library as a Culinary Destination
The library, often viewed as a quiet and studious space, can be a surprising haven for foodies and those interested in cooking. In my experience, working at the Grand Island Public Library has taught me that there is more to libraries than just books and research. One of the things I’ve learned is that libraries can be a great destination for foodies and those interested in cooking. From monthly cookbook clubs to programs for kids and teens, the library has become a culinary hotspot in our community. While technically there is no food allowed inside the library (except in the lobby and meeting rooms), we’ve got lots of official food-focused programs coming up that are sure to please even the most discerning palates. Food is a great way to draw crowds, especially for teenagers. This is especially true for our monthly “Cooking the Books” cookbook club for adults, which meets every third Saturday of the month at noon. The theme for this month’s Cooking the Books is garlic, and participants can expect to be treated to a delicious spread of dishes featuring the pungent ingredient. Expect to smell the aromas of garlic wafting through the library! I will be overseeing the Board Game Saturday program today, but I may have to pop in to see if there are any leftovers. In addition to Cooking the Books, we also have Board Game Saturday, which takes place every Saturday at 11 a.m. Snacks will be available, making it a great day to visit the library. We also have a Self-Care Day for teens ages 12-18 on April 21, featuring tea, cocoa, journal decorating, and DIY sugar scrubs. For tweens ages 10-13, we have ARMPIT FUDGE, a program that involves learning to make this ooey-gooey treat and enjoying it with apple slices. Registration is required for this program, so sign up soon to save your seat! We’re also planning a community festival for kids ages 11 and younger and their families on May 31, which will feature food and games. In the summer, we have a range of food-related activities lined up, including a taste test challenge for tweens ages 10-13 and a tiny food party. Teens ages 12-18 can look forward to an outing to Pham’s Coffee & Boba for a demonstration and free sample drink in June. The Teen Anime Club will also learn how to make ube (purple yam) waffles in July. Our collection of cookbooks is also a great resource for foodies. We’ve added over a hundred new cookbooks in the past 12 months alone, covering a wide range of topics and dietary needs. In addition, we have a free Hoopla app with a BingePass on “In the Kitchen with Craftsy,” which features step-by-step videos on basic and advanced cooking techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious cook, there’s something for everyone at the Grand Island Public Library. So why not come and explore our culinary offerings? Bon appétit!
Upcoming Events
*
| Event | Date | Time | Age Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 31 Community Festival | Saturday | 11:30 a.m. | 11 and younger |
| June 14 Taste Test Challenge | Thursday | 4 p.m. | Tweens ages 10-13 |
| June 21 Pham’s Coffee & Boba | Wednesday | 2 p.m. | Teens ages 12-18 |
| July 5 Tiny Food Party | Thursday | 4 p.m. | Tweens ages 10-13 |
More Information
* For more information about our food-related programs, visit our website at gilibrary.org or call us at 308-385-5333. * Join our email list to stay up-to-date on what’s happening at the library. * Follow us on social media to stay informed about library events and news.
news is a contributor at ChewNews. We are committed to providing well-researched, accurate, and valuable content to our readers.
