There is something whimsical about coming to the library after hours, seeing the lines of books against a dark night sky and waiting to get warm after standing in the cold.
But people gathered outside Westwood Public Library on a recent Friday night, weren’t there to just check out books, but to experience “Winter Book Tasting: The Dessert Chapter.” Librarians brought a cozy night in to the public while sharing new recommendations and desserts to tie in with each.
Everyone at the entrance was greeted with an Adult Reading Guide, illustrating new releases for the next couple months, and mini donuts! The tables of the library held stacks of books, each curated by a librarian to show their favorite they think everyone should read. Each had a diverse collection, leading everyone to find at least one they would like.
Games were also laid out. A literary matching game to find two of the same books filled one table and another held Table Topics, a game curated to start conversations. For those feeling lucky, WPL also had a raffle for everyone to enter to win a bag full of Advanced Reader Copies (ARC) of books, a treasure trove for dedicated readers.
The Community Room was where the magic happened and the book tasting began. Tables for each genre were in a semicircle, and each had a “menu” highlighting the books they chose and displayed. Each also had something specific to the genre, like the romance table had little peppers by each book indicating a spice level, and speculative fiction broke their recommendations into sections like “Hope, Lightly Seasoned.”
Beyond the descriptions on paper, every librarian behind the table was happy to dive deeper into each story and help you find one that you will want to take home.
What stood out about the event was, as titled, desserts. Each table had a themed treat that tied into the genre displayed, free for customers to enjoy! The climate change/speculative fiction table had “Rising Sea Salt Caramels,” historical fiction and nonfiction displayed “Cookies of Yore” old fashioned chocolate coated cookies that were divine. Sweet and Spicy table (romance) had, on theme, “You’re My Jam” tarts and Hot Tamales candies, for the sweet and spicy lovers out there, or those who like both in their treats.
Spine Tingling Thrillers had “Deadly Delicious Cupcakes” complete with paper bloody knives on chopsticks decorating each cupcake, and Cozy Reads had “Ooey Gooey Feel Good Clusters,” s’mores and caramel chocolate covered clusters.
It was impossible not to leave the event without adding titles to your “To Be Read”list, or without a book under your arm. A sweet treat and a book is an ideal way to start off a weekend, and Westwood Library made that happen with a magical night.
