Welcome to the LibraryΒ Chef Marketing Toolkit page! Here, you’ll find all the resources you need to effectively promote our culinary programs and engage your community. We provide monthly toolkits packed with promotional materials, including social media graphics, posters, email templates, and more.

Email Reminders
Patrons will receive a reminder email before each class so they can plan ahead and participate.

Together, let’s make these classes a success!

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Spice Club Downloads

Spice Club Monthly Downloads

2025
2026
Month Spice Access Files
August 2025 Chili Powder Download
September 2025 Star Anise Download
October 2025 Caraway Seeds Download
November 2025 Dried Oregano Download
December 2025 Ground Chipotle Pepper Download
Month Spice Access Files
January 2026 Cinnamon Download
February 2026 Ground Sage Download
March 2026 Ground Turmeric Download
April 2026 Rosemary Coming Soon
May 2026 Dill Coming Soon
June 2026 Star Anise Coming Soon
July 2026 Cardamom Coming Soon
August 2026 Ground Ginger Coming Soon
September 2026 Chili Peppers Coming Soon
October 2026 Smoked Paprika Coming Soon
November 2026 Thyme Coming Soon
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Public library ideas programs
LibraryChef Program Ideas

Public Library Program Ideas

March
April
May
June
July
August
MARCH – Spring Into Reading
πŸ“š March 3rd – Return Borrowed Books Week: A perfect time to remind your patrons to return those overdue books.
🌸 March 12th – Plant a Flower Day: Celebrate with books on gardening, flowers, and all things green!
πŸ“– March 20th – World Storytelling Day: Share stories in fun ways.

March 3–7: Fine Forgiveness Week

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Place a visible sign at checkout: "Fine Forgiveness Week – Return old books, no fines!"
  2. Optional: Announce on social media or email newsletter.
  3. When patrons return overdue books, staff simply note: "Forgiven for Returns Week" in system or on receipt.
  4. Optional: Display a small "We Missed You!" area with returned books to encourage browsing.
  5. 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:

  1. Purchase or request donations of bulk seed packets (sunflowers, marigolds, easy-to-grow flowers).
  2. Attach small cards: "Grow a Reader!" to each seed packet.
  3. Place a bowl or basket with packets at the checkout desk.
  4. Optional: Set up a craft table with flower-shaped papers, glue sticks, markers, and old magazine clippings for bookmark-making.
  5. Staff check and refill supplies once daily. Encourage kids to create bookmarks independently.
  6. 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:

  1. Create a cozy reading nook in the children's or main area with a rug and beanbags.
  2. Post a sign: "Tell a story here today!" with prompts like "What if animals could talk?"
  3. Provide a large sheet of paper on the wall or easel labeled: "Once upon a time in our library…" with markers available.
  4. Encourage patrons to add lines to the story chain during their visit.
  5. Optional: Staff can read along or share a short story at designated times.
  6. 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 – Fun & Feel-Good
April 1: April Fools' Day – Silly shelves and joke storytime.
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:

  1. Choose one small section or cart to mix up books (e.g., cookbooks in Mystery, kids' books in Adult).
  2. Place a sign: "April Fools! Can you find 5 mix-ups?"
  3. Host a 15-minute storytime using silly voices, backwards reading, or a whoopee cushion.
  4. Optional: End with a joke contest using silly stickers as prizes.
  5. 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:

  1. Set up a bulletin board labeled "Share Your Perfect PB&J!" with blank cards and pens.
  2. Display food-themed books during storytime.
  3. Host a 20-minute storytime reading books about sharing, food, or sandwiches.
  4. Provide paper cutouts of sandwiches for kids to color and decorate.
  5. Encourage staff or teen volunteers to help kids with crafts and pin recipe cards to the board.
  6. 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:

  1. Rope off a corner with sign: "D.E.A.R. Zone – Shhh!"
  2. Place chairs, pillows, or floor cushions for comfortable reading.
  3. All staff read visibly at desks for 10 minutes at 2pm.
  4. Optional: Provide bookmarks labeled "I D.E.A.R.'d!" for patrons to take.
  5. 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:

  1. Wrap selected books in plain paper and write 3 keywords describing the book.
  2. Display wrapped books near the exit or designated area with a sign: "Blind Date with a Book".
  3. Provide dice or boxes: one for genres, one for formats.
  4. Explain game: Roll dice to get a "challenge" (e.g., Graphic Novel Biography) and check out matching books.
  5. Include a rating card: "Rate your date!" for patrons to fill out if desired.
  6. 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: From Magic to Millionaires
⚑ May 2nd – International Harry Potter Day: Celebrate with all things Harry Potter!
πŸš€ May 4th – Star Wars Day: Feature Star Wars-themed books to excite all ages!
πŸ”  May 9th – Alphabet Day: Display a book for every letter of the alphabet.
πŸ“œ May 12th – National Limerick Day: Fun with limericks and poetry.
πŸ’° May 20th – Be a Millionaire Day: Books on financial literacy and success.

May 2: International Harry Potter Day

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Display Harry Potter books in a prominent area.
  2. Optional: Prepare trivia sheets, themed crafts, or a short quiz.
  3. Encourage patrons to dress up or participate in small activities.
  4. Take photos for social media if allowed.
  5. 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:

  1. Set up Star Wars books and display signs: "May the Fourth Be With You!"
  2. Optional: Include a scavenger hunt for Star Wars characters or books.
  3. Encourage staff to participate in small themed activities or read short Star Wars passages.
  4. 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:

  1. Display a book for every letter A–Z using your collection.
  2. Label each book with the letter prominently.
  3. Encourage kids to "collect" letters by checking out or identifying books.
  4. 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:

  1. Display poetry books, especially limericks and humorous poems.
  2. Set up paper and markers for patrons to write their own limericks.
  3. Encourage staff to share or read favorite limericks aloud.
  4. 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:

  1. Display books on financial literacy, wealth-building, and biographies of successful people.
  2. Optional: Include discussion prompts for patrons or short book talks.
  3. 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 – Great Outdoors & Community
🌍 June 5th – World Environment Day: Celebrate with books on nature, recycling, and sustainability.
🚩 June 14th – Flag Day: Learn about the history of flags and create your own.
β˜€οΈ 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:

  1. Set up a "Recycling Station" where kids can bring clean plastic bottles, caps, and cardboard.
  2. Provide glue, paint, and googly eyes.
  3. Challenge participants to create "Library Monsters" or "Garden Guardians" from the recycled materials.
  4. Display the creations in the library for a week.
  5. 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:

  1. Display books about different flags of the world and their meanings.
  2. Provide fabric markers and plain white cloth squares or cardstock.
  3. Ask patrons: "If you were a country, what would your flag look like?"
  4. Encourage using symbols that represent their hobbies, family, or dreams.
  5. 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:

  1. Set up a picnic area outside the library with blankets and pillows.
  2. Curate a collection of books about nature, sunshine, and outdoor adventures.
  3. Provide light refreshments like lemonade and cookies.
  4. Encourage patrons to read outdoors and share their favorite passages.
  5. 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 – Summer Adventures
πŸ˜‚ July 1st – International Joke Day: A day for laughter and funny books.
🎁 July 15th – Give Something Away Day: Encourage community sharing and book swaps.
πŸŒ™ July 20th – Moon Day: Celebrate the anniversary of the first moon landing.

July 1: The Great Library Joke-Off

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Create a "Joke Jar" at the front desk where patrons can submit their favorite clean jokes.
  2. Display a collection of joke and riddle books nearby.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

  1. Invite patrons to bring gently used books from home to donate or swap.
  2. Set up a "Free Book Table" with donated books organized by age group.
  3. Encourage patrons to take home books they want to read at no cost.
  4. Optional: Provide bookmarks or stickers with each book taken.
  5. 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:

  1. Show a short clip or display books about the Apollo 11 moon landing.
  2. Give each participant a "supply kit" (straws, tape, marshmallows, paper cups).
  3. Challenge: Build a lander that can protect two "astronaut" marshmallows when dropped from 5 feet.
  4. Test the landers and discuss why some worked and others didn't (STEM tie-in).
  5. 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 – Family Fun & Book Lovers
🐱 August 8th – International Cat Day: Purr-fect day for cat-themed stories!
πŸ“š 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:

  1. Display a collection of cat-themed books, including picture books and chapter books.
  2. Set up a craft station for making cat masks using paper plates, markers, and yarn.
  3. Provide a "Purr-fect Reading Spot" with cat-themed pillows and blankets.
  4. Host a short storytime featuring favorite cat characters.
  5. 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:

  1. Invite patrons to come to the library in their pajamas.
  2. Set up "Reading Forts" using tables, blankets, and pillows.
  3. Provide flashlights or "book lights" for reading inside the forts.
  4. Serve light snacks like popcorn or juice boxes.
  5. 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:

  1. Partner with a local animal shelter to provide a "wish list" of items they need.
  2. Use old t-shirts (donated or from thrift stores) to make braided dog pull-toys.
  3. Provide clear instructions on how to braid the strips tightly and securely.
  4. Collect the finished toys to donate to the shelter.
  5. 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.

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