The Otselic Valley Public Library’s Lit Cookbook Club pairs literature with themed cookbooks to create an immersive cultural and literary experience. Participants read a selected book, prepare recipes from a companion cookbook at home, and gather to share a meal, discuss the text, and participate in themed trivia. Featured programs included Edgar Allan Poe paired with A Ravenous Feast and Crying in H Mart paired with Korean cookbooks. The program encourages literacy, cultural exploration, community engagement, and hands-on learning through food, conversation, and shared experiences.
Advanced Planning
The primary goals of the Lit Cookbook Club were to deepen literary engagement, encourage cultural exploration, and strengthen community connections through shared experiences. Planning began approximately 1–2 months before each session and included selecting books and companion cookbooks, developing trivia activities, promoting the event, and organizing discussion materials. Library staff coordinated the logistics and created an inviting atmosphere for discussion and shared meals. One unexpected challenge involved access to specialty ingredients in our rural community, particularly during the Korean-themed program, but participants embraced the challenge, and many reported visiting an Asian market for the first time.
Marketing
The program was promoted through the library’s social media pages, flyers within the library and school community, word-of-mouth promotion, and community newsletters. Marketing focused on the unique combination of literature, cooking, and cultural exploration, which generated strong interest from patrons looking for a nontraditional book club experience. Participant enthusiasm helped grow interest organically, as attendees shared photos and discussed their experiences with others in the community.
Budgeting
Program costs were relatively low and primarily included printed materials, decorations, trivia supplies, and light refreshments. Participants prepared and brought their own dishes, which helped keep expenses manageable while also increasing personal investment in the program. Cost-cutting suggestions for other libraries would include using donated materials, free online trivia platforms, and selecting cookbooks that rely on accessible ingredients.
Day-of-event Activity
Preparation for the event included arranging tables for a shared meal, setting up serving areas, organizing discussion prompts and trivia materials, and preparing a welcoming environment for participants. One to two staff members managed the setup and facilitated the discussion and activities. The largest logistical considerations involved coordinating food sharing and ensuring enough space for participants and dishes. Overall, the events ran smoothly and created a warm, collaborative atmosphere.
Program Execution
The Lit Cookbook Club successfully created an engaging and immersive literary experience for participants. During the first session, patrons explored Edgar Allan Poe alongside recipes from A Ravenous Feast, while the second session paired Crying in H Mart with Korean cookbooks, including Umma and The Korean Vegan, and cultural trivia. Participants enthusiastically prepared dishes, shared personal experiences, and engaged in thoughtful discussions about literature and culture.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees expressing appreciation for the program’s creativity and community-building atmosphere. Several participants noted that they tried new foods, ingredients, and cultural experiences for the first time because of the program.
Advice
Libraries interested in creating a similar program should start with accessible book and cookbook pairings that encourage exploration without overwhelming participants.
Including interactive elements such as trivia, themed décor, and guided discussions helps transform the event into a memorable experience rather than a traditional book club meeting.
Most importantly, creating a welcoming and conversational atmosphere around a shared meal encourages meaningful connections and strong community engagement.
Supporting Materials
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