The Spice Club is a great way to try out new spices. Members receive a sample packet of each month's spice, a bit of history and a recipe for incorporating that spice.
Advanced Planning
I plan several months ahead by selecting a spice, researching some of its history and selecting a simple recipe.
Marketing
I promote this in the library on our events board, in our printed newsletter, on our website, through Constant Contact and on the library's social media.
Budgeting
I ask members of our Cookbook Club to donate extra spices they don't need and repackage them in small, coin-sized envelopes from the dollar store. They can also be found at Staples.
The costs of spices vary depending on the type, but I have found spices quite reasonable at Walmart, Target and Indian grocery stores. For example, the ancho chile powder was found at Target for $1.99 a jar.
Day-of-event Activity
This is a passive program. Patrons register for the program on our website, and I email them the history and a recipe. After a certain date, they can pick up the spice package from our reference desk. I give patrons enough of the spice to make the suggested recipe.
For Ancho Chile Month, I created a write-up on the history of the pepper and attached a recipe for Ancho Chile-Mexican Chocolate Cookies.
Program Execution
This program has been popular, and I have an average of 15-20 people monthly. Patrons have been excited about it and eager for the next spice to be announced.
Advice
In the future, I would suggest numbering and labeling the spice packages so that it's easier to keep tabs on inventory when other staff are on desk.
Supporting Materials
- Feedback (Coming Soon!)
- Programming Librarian Facebook Group
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