Edible book contest comes to library

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

Every chance they get, staff at the Strathmore Municipal Library organize different, almost always free, events for the community. This spring break is no different with the creation of a unique new contest, and the return of a popular program.
Tee Time Tuesday will be held on April 7, from 1-4p.m., which will see the return of mini golf at the library.
“The families absolutely loved coming to the library to play mini golf. Rachel our director is quite creative when it comes to creating different challenges and different holes. The mini golf will be spread throughout the lobby, the library and the meeting room,” said Assistant Director of Library Services Carmen Erison.
There will also be board games set up for anyone that doesn’t want to golf. Last year there were 42 kids that took part in the golf game, and 100 overall that were in the library for games that day.
On Wednesday, April 8 the library will be hosting its first Edible Book Day contest. The idea is based on an international event that has been around since the ’90s and is usually held at the beginning of April.
“We’re quite excited about this. We have been wanting to do this project for some time, it’s just been working out the logistics of it,” said Erison.
“It allows amateur bakers, anybody, to be able to create edible creations based on books, or your favourite poem or a cover of a book that you like. We have seen so many types of edible book creations just by simply going onto Pinterest.”
The rules are simple – and can be found at strathmorelibrary.ca/ediblebooks- it must be edible, and have something to do with books or reading. Ideas can come from anywhere; you’re favourite book, poem, manga, a famous author or even a scroll.
“The great thing is you can go onto the internet and there’s so many great ideas out there,” said Erison.
The contest is open to all ages in two categories, 13-years-old and under, and 14 plus. From 12- 1 p.m. the ‘books’ will be accepted, and from 1-2:30 p.m. they will be on public display, there will be a public viewing of them all and that’s when they will also be judged by the public.
After the votes are counted and the results are in, prizes will be awarded. Then all viewers and participants will be able to snack on the entries.
Thursday, April 9 there will be a karaoke and dance party from 1-4 p.m. Kids will be able to sing, dance and have fun.
“(It’s) just another fun program for kids to just get them out of the house and into the library to enjoy some good old fashioned fun,” said Erison.
The Edible Book contest and all of the programs offered during that week are free for the public to attend.