Welcome to the Library Chef Marketing Toolkit
Here you will find all the resources you need to effectively promote our cooking, nutrition, and wellness programs and engage your community.
Email Reminders
Patrons receive reminder emails before each live session so they can plan ahead and participate.
Together, let’s make these sessions a success!
Download Your Welcome Toolkit
Step 1 • Choose a month
Step 2 • Filter by audience
Beat the Heat: No/Low Cook Soon to Be Food Fav's
Stay cool while leveling up your kitchen skills! Create fresh Caprese stuffed avocado and DIY summer rolls while learning knife skills, prep, and big flavor with barely any cooking.
Tofu Basics: Spicy Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Bold, spicy, and totally plant based! Learn to make crave worthy tofu lettuce wraps packed with flavor. Easy to assemble and absolutely perfect for summer dinners.
Small Knife vs BIG Knife: Cleaning Fruit and Fruit Kebobs
Which knife wins? Learn to handle knives safely and efficiently while cleaning fruit and building colorful fruit kebobs. Perfect for summer snacks and party prep!
Meditation Basics with Melissa
Find your calm! Beginner friendly meditation techniques to melt away stress, sharpen focus, and bring everyday peace.
Summer Camp Day 1 (Kids): Veggie English Muffin Pizzas
“Lunch-able” camp kicks off! Kids build fun veggie English muffin pizzas with fresh apple slices on the side.
Summer Camp Day 2 (Kids): Mini Pancake Sandwiches
Kids stack mini pancake sandwiches with nut butter and dunk them in creamy banana yogurt dip. Totally hands on!
Summer Camp Day 3 (Kids): Franks in the Blanket
The grand “Lunch-able” finale! Kids roll up playful mini franks in the blanket, a true lunchtime favorite!
Pre Teens & Teens: Turkey & Provolone Sloppy Joes with Coleslaw
It's National Sandwich Month! Teens build hearty turkey and provolone sloppy joes with fresh, crunchy coleslaw.
Sourdough Baking Basics: Cheesy Sourdough Biscuits
Warm, cheesy, fluffy sourdough biscuits fresh from your own oven! Learn the secrets to baking these irresistible bites, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a savory snack any time of day.
How to Hide Those Veggies: Parent Nutrition Tips
Tired of the dinnertime veggie battles? Discover clever, creative ways to sneak more nutrition into everyday meals your kids will actually love. Packed with practical tips on reading labels, hiding vegetables in favorite dishes, and building balanced nutrition for the whole family, all while keeping mealtime fun and stress free.
Asian Sticky Orange Chicken
Sweet, tangy, sticky, and absolutely addictive! Master this takeout favorite at home and learn how to build bold flavor in every bite. Love the heat? Add Thai chili peppers for a fiery kick.
Kids: Chicken Salad Sandwich
It's National Chicken Month and we're celebrating! Kids will whip up tasty chicken salad sandwiches while building real kitchen skills like safe chopping, mixing, and assembling like a pro.
Teens: Stir-Fry Honey Chicken and Veg
Sizzle up something amazing! Teens will learn to cook a flavorful honey chicken stir fry loaded with fresh vegetables. A quick, healthy weeknight meal they can make again and again.
Cookbook Author Maria
A special guest event! Join Maria, a New Jersey author, as she shares her family culinary journey and cooking tips. Her memoir, On the Rocks: The Primadonna Story, is a heartfelt look at resilience, family, and reinventing yourself after life's unexpected challenges.
Apple and Goat Cheese Filo Triangles
Light, crispy, golden filo triangles filled with sweet apples and creamy goat cheese. This elegant sweet and savory appetizer looks fancy but comes together fast. Perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to something special.
Halloween Fun: Spooky “Eye” Deviled Eggs
Get into the Halloween spirit with these frightfully fun spooky “eye” deviled eggs! Turn a classic favorite into a creepy, crowd pleasing showstopper using simple ingredients and creative decorating tricks. Perfect for parties and festive family fun.
Intro to Sound Bowls with Melissa
Experience the soothing, restorative power of sound bowls. Melissa guides you through calming techniques that use sound for deep relaxation, stress relief, and everyday mindfulness.
Kids: Spooky Flatbread Pizza Fun
Pizza Month meets Halloween! Kids will create their very own spooky flatbread pizzas piled with fun toppings while learning hands on cooking and assembly skills. Deliciously creepy!
Teens: Pizza Dough and Garlic Knots
Calling all pizza lovers! Teens will learn to make real pizza dough from scratch and twist it into golden, buttery garlic knots. A hands on experience packed with skills they'll use forever.
Thanksgiving: Let’s Talk Stuffing, 3 Ways!
One classic, three delicious ways! Explore creative spins on traditional stuffing, from rich and savory sausage stuffing to sweet and tart apple cranberry. Your holiday table will never be the same.
Thanksgiving Classics: Honey Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Bring a warm, comforting twist to a holiday favorite! Learn to create silky smooth honey mashed sweet potatoes with a touch of natural sweetness. Simple to prepare and guaranteed to disappear from the Thanksgiving table.
Jewish Holiday Cooking: Classic Potato Pancakes (Latkes)
Celebrate Jewish culinary traditions with a true classic! Learn to make crispy, golden latkes, the beloved potato pancakes at the heart of every Hanukkah celebration.
Kids: Rice, Bean, and Cheese Burritos
It's National Rice Month! Kids will roll up easy, delicious burritos stuffed with rice, beans, and melty cheese. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime hunger strikes!
Teens: Rustic Buttermilk Biscuits for the Holidays
Warm, flaky, buttery biscuits made completely from scratch! Teens will master this classic comfort food just in time to wow everyone at the holiday table.
Fun, Fast Party Upgrades: Cucumber Boats and Cups
Instantly elevate your holiday spread! Learn quick, elegant ways to create fresh cucumber boats and cups that are healthy, festive, and impressively easy to prepare.
Holiday Crostini & Bruschetta
The ultimate party appetizers! Learn to build flavorful crostini and bruschetta that steal the show at every holiday gathering and appetizer platter.
Winter Superfoods Made Simple
Cut through the hype and discover what “superfoods” really mean! This session breaks down simple, affordable, nutrient rich ingredients you can actually use in everyday meals to power your health all winter long. Real kitchen skills, no complicated recipes or expensive trends.
Kids: Classic Brownies with a Candy Cane Twist
National Chocolate Month is here! Kids will bake rich, fudgy classic brownies topped with a festive candy cane twist. Sweet, fun, and totally hands on!
Teens: Double Chocolate Cookies
Double the chocolate, double the fun! Teens will bake rich, gooey double chocolate cookies. The perfect holiday treat for sharing with friends and family (if any survive that long!).
Spice Club Downloads
Your monthly spice kits, recipes, and session materials all in one place.
Adult Monthly
Library Chef Toolkits
Download your monthly marketing and program materials. Everything you need to promote Library Chef sessions at your library.
Junior Chef
Toolkits
Monthly marketing and program materials for your Junior Chef program. Download everything you need to promote sessions for kids and teens at your library.
• Kids Session Marketing Toolkit
• Teen Summer Camp Marketing Toolkit
• Teen Session Marketing Toolkit
• Kids Summer Camp Marketing Toolkit
Public Library Program Ideas
🌸 March 12th – Plant a Flower Day: Celebrate with books on gardening, flowers, and all things green!
📖 March 20th – World Storytelling Day: Share stories in fun ways.
March 3–7: Fine Forgiveness Week
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Place a visible sign at checkout: "Fine Forgiveness Week – Return old books, no fines!"
- Optional: Announce on social media or email newsletter.
- When patrons return overdue books, staff simply note: "Forgiven for Returns Week" in system or on receipt.
- Optional: Display a small "We Missed You!" area with returned books to encourage browsing.
- Check daily that signage is visible and replenish any printed signs.
Materials Needed: Signage, optional social media posts, small cart for returned books.
Target Audience: All ages, especially families.
Time Commitment: ~10 minutes setup, then minimal.
March 12: Plant a Flower Day – Seed Packet Giveaway & Craft Corner
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Purchase or request donations of bulk seed packets (sunflowers, marigolds, easy-to-grow flowers).
- Attach small cards: "Grow a Reader!" to each seed packet.
- Place a bowl or basket with packets at the checkout desk.
- Optional: Set up a craft table with flower-shaped papers, glue sticks, markers, and old magazine clippings for bookmark-making.
- Staff check and refill supplies once daily. Encourage kids to create bookmarks independently.
- Display finished bookmarks on a small board to showcase patron creativity.
Materials Needed: Seed packets, cards, craft supplies, table, markers, glue sticks.
Target Audience: Kids & families.
Time Commitment: 15–20 minutes setup, then minimal supervision.
March 20: World Storytelling Day – Storytelling Nook & Community Story Chain
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Create a cozy reading nook in the children's or main area with a rug and beanbags.
- Post a sign: "Tell a story here today!" with prompts like "What if animals could talk?"
- Provide a large sheet of paper on the wall or easel labeled: "Once upon a time in our library…" with markers available.
- Encourage patrons to add lines to the story chain during their visit.
- Optional: Staff can read along or share a short story at designated times.
- Check daily that supplies (markers, prompts) are available and paper is neat.
Materials Needed: Rug, beanbags, story prompts, large paper, markers, tape.
Target Audience: Families, children, seniors.
Time Commitment: 10–15 minutes setup, optional participation during day.
April 2: PB&J Day – Recipe swap and food-themed storytime.
April 12: D.E.A.R. Day – Quiet reading time for everyone.
April 23: Take a Chance Day – Blind date with a book and genre dice game.
April 1: Silly Shelving & Whoopee Cushion Read-Aloud
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Choose one small section or cart to mix up books (e.g., cookbooks in Mystery, kids' books in Adult).
- Place a sign: "April Fools! Can you find 5 mix-ups?"
- Host a 15-minute storytime using silly voices, backwards reading, or a whoopee cushion.
- Optional: End with a joke contest using silly stickers as prizes.
- Remove or reset shelf after the day.
Materials Needed: Books for mix-ups, signs, whoopee cushion, funny books, stickers.
Target Audience: Teens & playful adults.
Time Commitment: ~10 minutes setup, 15 minutes event, minimal supervision.
April 2: PB&J Day – Recipe Swap & Sandwich Storytime
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Set up a bulletin board labeled "Share Your Perfect PB&J!" with blank cards and pens.
- Display food-themed books during storytime.
- Host a 20-minute storytime reading books about sharing, food, or sandwiches.
- Provide paper cutouts of sandwiches for kids to color and decorate.
- Encourage staff or teen volunteers to help kids with crafts and pin recipe cards to the board.
- Optional: Share favorite recipes on library social media.
Materials Needed: Bulletin board, cards, pens, storybooks, paper, markers, scissors.
Target Audience: Kids & families.
Time Commitment: 20–30 minutes setup, 20-minute program.
April 12: D.E.A.R. Day
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Rope off a corner with sign: "D.E.A.R. Zone – Shhh!"
- Place chairs, pillows, or floor cushions for comfortable reading.
- All staff read visibly at desks for 10 minutes at 2pm.
- Optional: Provide bookmarks labeled "I D.E.A.R.'d!" for patrons to take.
- Minimal supervision needed; check supplies of cushions/bookmarks.
Materials Needed: Chairs, pillows, bookmarks, signs.
Target Audience: Everyone.
Time Commitment: 10–15 minutes setup, 10 minutes event.
April 23: Take a Chance Day – Blind Date with a Book & Genre Dice Game
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Wrap selected books in plain paper and write 3 keywords describing the book.
- Display wrapped books near the exit or designated area with a sign: "Blind Date with a Book".
- Provide dice or boxes: one for genres, one for formats.
- Explain game: Roll dice to get a "challenge" (e.g., Graphic Novel Biography) and check out matching books.
- Include a rating card: "Rate your date!" for patrons to fill out if desired.
- Check daily that books are displayed neatly and dice are available.
Materials Needed: Books, wrapping paper, markers, dice/boxes, rating cards.
Target Audience: Teens & adventurous readers.
Time Commitment: 10–15 minutes setup, minimal supervision.
🚀 May 4th – Star Wars Day: Feature Star Wars-themed books to excite all ages!
🔠 May 9th – Alphabet Day: Display a book for every letter of the alphabet.
📜 May 12th – National Limerick Day: Fun with limericks and poetry.
💰 May 20th – Be a Millionaire Day: Books on financial literacy and success.
May 2: International Harry Potter Day
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Display Harry Potter books in a prominent area.
- Optional: Prepare trivia sheets, themed crafts, or a short quiz.
- Encourage patrons to dress up or participate in small activities.
- Take photos for social media if allowed.
- Check that display is neat and books are available throughout the day.
Materials Needed: Harry Potter books, optional trivia sheets or props.
Target Audience: Kids, teens, families.
Time Commitment: 15–20 minutes setup, optional supervision.
May 4: Star Wars Day
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Set up Star Wars books and display signs: "May the Fourth Be With You!"
- Optional: Include a scavenger hunt for Star Wars characters or books.
- Encourage staff to participate in small themed activities or read short Star Wars passages.
- Ensure books are returned to proper shelves after the day.
Materials Needed: Star Wars books, display signs, optional scavenger hunt materials.
Target Audience: All ages.
Time Commitment: 15 minutes setup, minimal supervision.
May 9: Alphabet Day
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Display a book for every letter A–Z using your collection.
- Label each book with the letter prominently.
- Encourage kids to "collect" letters by checking out or identifying books.
- Take photos for newsletter or social media if desired.
Materials Needed: Books, labels/signs for letters A–Z.
Target Audience: Kids.
Time Commitment: 20 minutes setup, minimal supervision.
May 12: National Limerick Day
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Display poetry books, especially limericks and humorous poems.
- Set up paper and markers for patrons to write their own limericks.
- Encourage staff to share or read favorite limericks aloud.
- Post selected limericks on a community board if desired.
Materials Needed: Poetry books, paper, markers, display board.
Target Audience: Kids, teens, adults.
Time Commitment: 10–15 minutes setup, optional participation.
May 20: Be a Millionaire Day
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Display books on financial literacy, wealth-building, and biographies of successful people.
- Optional: Include discussion prompts for patrons or short book talks.
- Encourage teens and adults to explore resources on goal-setting and money management.
Materials Needed: Books on finance, optional discussion prompts or signage.
Target Audience: Teens & adults.
Time Commitment: 10–15 minutes setup, minimal supervision.
🚩 June 14th – Flag Day: Learn about the history of flags and create your own.
☀️ June 21st – Summer Solstice: The longest day of the year, perfect for outdoor reading.
June 5: Eco-Warrior Workshop & Recycled Art
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Set up a "Recycling Station" where kids can bring clean plastic bottles, caps, and cardboard.
- Provide glue, paint, and googly eyes.
- Challenge participants to create "Library Monsters" or "Garden Guardians" from the recycled materials.
- Display the creations in the library for a week.
- Offer a "Seed Bomb" making station using clay, soil, and wildflower seeds.
Materials Needed: Recycled materials, glue, paint, googly eyes, clay, soil, seeds.
Target Audience: Kids & Families.
Time Commitment: 20 minutes setup, 1 hour workshop.
June 14: Flag Day – Design Your Own Identity Flag
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Display books about different flags of the world and their meanings.
- Provide fabric markers and plain white cloth squares or cardstock.
- Ask patrons: "If you were a country, what would your flag look like?"
- Encourage using symbols that represent their hobbies, family, or dreams.
- String the flags together to create a "Community Bunting" across the library.
Materials Needed: Fabric markers, cloth squares/cardstock, string, clothespins.
Target Audience: All ages.
Time Commitment: 15 minutes setup, ongoing participation.
June 21: Summer Solstice – Outdoor Reading Picnic
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Set up a picnic area outside the library with blankets and pillows.
- Curate a collection of books about nature, sunshine, and outdoor adventures.
- Provide light refreshments like lemonade and cookies.
- Encourage patrons to read outdoors and share their favorite passages.
- Optional: Host a short poetry reading celebrating the summer season.
Materials Needed: Blankets, pillows, books, refreshments, outdoor seating.
Target Audience: Families, all ages.
Time Commitment: 20 minutes setup, 2-hour event.
🎁 July 15th – Give Something Away Day: Encourage community sharing and book swaps.
🌙 July 20th – Moon Day: Celebrate the anniversary of the first moon landing.
July 1: The Great Library Joke-Off
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Create a "Joke Jar" at the front desk where patrons can submit their favorite clean jokes.
- Display a collection of joke and riddle books nearby.
- At the end of the day, pick the "Joke of the Day" and post it on the library's social media or a visible whiteboard.
- Optional: Host a 30-minute "Open Mic" for kids to tell their best jokes.
Materials Needed: Jar, paper slips, pens, joke books, whiteboard.
Target Audience: Kids & Teens.
Time Commitment: 10 minutes setup, minimal daily maintenance.
July 15: Give Something Away Day – Community Book Swap
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Invite patrons to bring gently used books from home to donate or swap.
- Set up a "Free Book Table" with donated books organized by age group.
- Encourage patrons to take home books they want to read at no cost.
- Optional: Provide bookmarks or stickers with each book taken.
- Donate any remaining books to local schools or community centers.
Materials Needed: Table, donated books, bookmarks, stickers.
Target Audience: All ages.
Time Commitment: 15 minutes setup, ongoing event throughout the day.
July 20: Moon Mission – DIY Lunar Landers
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Show a short clip or display books about the Apollo 11 moon landing.
- Give each participant a "supply kit" (straws, tape, marshmallows, paper cups).
- Challenge: Build a lander that can protect two "astronaut" marshmallows when dropped from 5 feet.
- Test the landers and discuss why some worked and others didn't (STEM tie-in).
- Optional: Award prizes for "Most Creative" and "Best Protected Astronauts."
Materials Needed: Straws, tape, marshmallows, paper cups, cardboard, books on space.
Target Audience: Kids (Ages 7-12).
Time Commitment: 20 minutes setup, 45-minute program.
📚 August 9th – National Book Lovers Day: Celebrate the joy of reading.
🐶 August 26th – International Dog Day: Honor our furry friends with dog-themed activities.
August 8: International Cat Day – Whisker Crafts & Cat Tales
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Display a collection of cat-themed books, including picture books and chapter books.
- Set up a craft station for making cat masks using paper plates, markers, and yarn.
- Provide a "Purr-fect Reading Spot" with cat-themed pillows and blankets.
- Host a short storytime featuring favorite cat characters.
- Optional: Invite a local animal shelter to share information about cat adoption.
Materials Needed: Cat books, paper plates, markers, yarn, craft supplies, pillows, blankets.
Target Audience: Kids & Families.
Time Commitment: 20 minutes setup, 1-hour program.
August 9: National Book Lovers Day – "Read-In" Pajama Party
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Invite patrons to come to the library in their pajamas.
- Set up "Reading Forts" using tables, blankets, and pillows.
- Provide flashlights or "book lights" for reading inside the forts.
- Serve light snacks like popcorn or juice boxes.
- Staff can lead a "Favorite Book" show-and-tell where patrons share their beloved reads.
Materials Needed: Blankets, pillows, flashlights, book lights, snacks, tables.
Target Audience: Families with young children.
Time Commitment: 30 minutes setup, 1-2 hour event.
August 26: International Dog Day – Paws & Pages: Dog Toy Making
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Partner with a local animal shelter to provide a "wish list" of items they need.
- Use old t-shirts (donated or from thrift stores) to make braided dog pull-toys.
- Provide clear instructions on how to braid the strips tightly and securely.
- Collect the finished toys to donate to the shelter.
- Display books on dog care, training, and famous dog characters.
Materials Needed: Old t-shirts, scissors, donation box, dog care books.
Target Audience: Teens & Adults.
Time Commitment: 15 minutes setup, 1 hour workshop.