Have you ever offered a program specifically featuring cookbooks and recipes?
I haven’t, but today I heard a woman read from a cookbook that was compiled by her daughter’s fifth grade class. Now I’m thinking of the related possibilities for library programming, as well as wondering what others have offered in library programs featuring cookbooks, recipes, and/or food preparation. It made me a bit hungry too.
Please share your ideas and experiences.
Thanks!
Teresa Walls
Jennifer
Our adult services librarian is offering a cookbook exchange (bring a cookbook, take a cookbook). We seeded it with cookbooks from our donations. She’s also doing a summer salads program, bring a salad to share. Teens are invited. I’m planning to do some simple cooking with kids next summer, but don’t have any specific ideas yet.
Cheryl Wolf
Our public school library (PreK-5) has New York City’s CCD (Cooperative Collection Development) Library for cookbooks.
Last year, to inaugurate the collection, we invited a chef–Sara Moulton–to do a demonstration.
This year–to promote the cookbooks, I invited families to send in reviews of the cookbooks via a Google survey or on a slip of paper that goes in the pocket of the book. I’m still trying to figure out how to publicize the reviews.
I also use our cookbooks to teach kids how to use an index.
I’m not sure this is what you’re looking for. I’d love to hear any ideas you develop or come across.
Cheryl
mckinleylibrary@gmail.com
Jeanette Larson
We sponsored several programs featuring local chefs who showed kids how to cook good meals and snacks. There are so many great cookbooks and many kids are wanting to — or needing to — prepare meals for themselves. The only “issue” we had was needing permission for the chef to use an open flame for one of his demonstrations. Although that recipe was not “kid-friendly” most are and the flambe demonstration certainly caught the kids attention.
Teresa Walls Post author
Thanks so much for your responses! I like the idea of incorporating family reviews of cookbooks/recipes. Children’s programs featuring chefs have been successful when the Home/Garden Expo comes through town, so I’m happy to hear that those have been successful in your libraries, Cheryl and Jeanette.
Since March is deemed Nutrition Month by the American Dietetic Association (http://eatright.org), I want to plan a program for March 2010 with the notion that this experience would be a good testing ground for a summer program.
I’ll post more here as I find ideas and books. I appreciate all your thoughts and suggestions.