For many people when the weather turns cold, the first
impulses are to curl up with a good book and to eat to stay warm. That’s what
makes food the perfect theme for the 2020 Adult Winter Reading Program.
“We try to pick a broad theme every year, something that we
can find with a lot of books that are tied to that theme and something we can
do some programming with,” Belt Branch manager Kelly Morris said in describing
the “Feed Your Mind” theme.
And food is something most people can relate to, Savannah
Branch manager Saundra Keiffer pointed out: “If they don’t like to cook, they
like to eat.”
The annual reading initiative for adults ages 18 and older
opens Jan. 2 and ends Feb. 29. Adults can sign up at any time during the two
months and must read four books. Logs will be available on Jan. 2.
When they sign up, participants will receive a reading log
and a starting gift of lip balm. The log will provide different food-related
categories to choose from, and library staff will be able to recommend authors
to read in the categories. Some of the categories are Cookbook, Appetizer
(short stories), Comfort Food (re-read an old favorite), Spaghetti Western, Taste
of Home (local author or setting) and Tickle Your Taste Buds (humor).
If they don’t want to read food-themed books, Morris said, participants
can read any four books of their liking, but the fun of the program comes from
reading genres or authors that might not be familiar.
The reading log also has a section for participants to write
in a recipe that will be turned in when they complete the program. The recipes
will be made into a library cookbook.
Participants who read four or more books will receive prizes
of a limited-edition library oven mitt, a free book or a Books Revisited coupon
for a book, entry into the grand prize drawing and an invite to an
end-of-program party. The grand prizes are $50 Walmart gift cards for the Belt
Branch and Savannah Branch and a gift basket of similar value for Bookmobile
and Service to Adult Reader patrons.
Several food-themed events have been planned as part of the
program, including:
Appetizers and Finger Foods – Try some new and delicious dishes.
Bring the recipe and samples to share with others. 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7,
Savannah.
Recipe Cards with Word – Learn how to use Microsoft Word to
make printable recipe cards on your computer. Register in advance at events.rhcl.org/events.
3:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, Savannah.
Saltshaker Snowpeople – Clear glass or plastic saltshakers
will be turned into cute crafts. All supplies provided, but you can bring your
own shaker. Register in advance at events.rhcl.org/events. 10 a.m. Thursday,
Jan. 16, at Belt.
Recipe Cards with Word – Learn how to use Microsoft Word to
make printable recipe cards on your computer. Register in advance at
events.rhcl.org/events. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, Belt.
Backyard Bird Feeding – Exchange wild bird stories while
making a cute feeder for the winter and a bird bath for spring. Bring two
saucers and two teacups or one teacup and a wide mug. All other materials
furnished. Register in advance at events.rhcl.org/events. 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan.
28, Savannah.
Cup of Tea – Amanda Paden, owner of the Simply Tea shop,
will discuss types of tea, the processes for preparing them and the health
benefits of different kinds of teas. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, Belt.
DIY Recipe Books – Learn how to use Microsoft Publisher to
create your own recipe book. Remember to bring recipes to use in your new book.
Register in advance at events.rhcl.org/events. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30,
Belt.
Take Home Dog Treats – All ages and families will mix up
some dough and use cookie cutters to make dog treats that you bake at home.
You’ll also learn how to make dog bone wreaths. Register in advance at
events.rhcl.org/events. Tuesday, Feb. 4, Savannah.
Heart Healthy Living – Gina Lucas, a health education
specialist with University of Missouri Extension, will present information
about having a healthy heart. Feel free to bring your lunch. Noon Thursday,
Feb. 6, Belt.
Insta Pot Luck – Bring your favorite dish made with an Insta
Pot along with the recipe to share after we discuss how to use this new kitchen
appliance. 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, Savannah.
Literary Potluck – How does food or cooking play a role in a
book you’ve enjoyed? Tell the group and bring a book-related dish to share.
Please include a card that lists a dish’s ingredients. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb.
25, Belt.
