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.
New Year, New Ideas
Simple ways to encourage reading, reflection, community participation, and fresh goals at the start of the year.
January 1: Reading Resolution Wall
Step-by-Step Instructions- Create a large board titled "My Reading Resolution."
- Provide cards where patrons can write a reading goal for the new year.
- Encourage goals such as reading more books, trying a new genre, or reading with family.
- Display the cards throughout January.
- Invite patrons to return later in the year and share their progress.
January 15: Dream & Community Display
Step-by-Step Instructions- Create a display featuring books about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights, community, and leadership.
- Provide cards with the prompt "My Dream for My Community."
- Invite patrons to write or draw their ideas.
- Display responses throughout the library.
- Encourage families to explore books connected to the theme.
January 24: Library Compliment Board
Step-by-Step Instructions- Create a board titled "Share Some Kind Words."
- Provide cards where patrons can leave positive messages.
- Encourage messages about books, the library, staff, friends, or the community.
- Display appropriate messages on the board.
- Refresh the board throughout the month.
Love of Reading & Community
Invite patrons to discover new books, celebrate the library, and take part in small acts of kindness.
February 1: History & Community Display
Step-by-Step Instructions- Create a display featuring books about American history, freedom, civil rights, and important historical figures.
- Add short historical facts beside selected books.
- Invite patrons to explore one book from the display.
- Provide recommendation cards where patrons can suggest historical books.
- Refresh the display throughout February.
February 14: Blind Date With a Book
Step-by-Step Instructions- Select books from different genres.
- Wrap the books so the covers are hidden.
- Write three clues about each book on the outside.
- Display the wrapped books with a sign: "Choose Your Literary Date."
- Invite patrons to check out a book based only on the clues.
February 17: Kindness Challenge
Step-by-Step Instructions- Create a jar filled with simple kindness challenges.
- Examples include "Compliment someone," "Help a friend," or "Donate a book."
- Invite patrons to choose a challenge.
- Create a community board where patrons can share completed acts.
- Refresh the challenge cards throughout the day.
February 20: Love Your Library Day
Step-by-Step Instructions- Create a large board titled "What Do You Love About Your Library?"
- Provide heart-shaped cards and markers.
- Invite patrons to write their favorite library service, program, book, space, or memory.
- Display the responses throughout the library.
- Photograph the finished display for the library newsletter or social media.
Spring Into Reading
Welcome spring with reading, gardening, storytelling, and simple activities that bring patrons into the library.
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 the forgiveness in the system or on the receipt.
- Optional: Display a small "We Missed You!" area with returned books.
- Check daily that signage is visible.
March 12: Plant a Flower Day
Step-by-Step Instructions- Purchase or request donations of bulk seed packets.
- Attach small cards: "Grow a Reader!"
- Place a bowl or basket with packets at checkout.
- Optional: Set up a craft table for flower-shaped bookmarks.
- Display finished bookmarks to showcase patron creativity.
March 20: Storytelling Nook & Community Story Chain
Step-by-Step Instructions- Create a cozy reading nook.
- Post a sign: "Tell a story here today!"
- Provide a large sheet labeled "Once upon a time in our library…"
- Encourage patrons to add lines to the story chain.
- Optional: Staff can share a short story at designated times.
Fun & Feel-Good
Add playful moments, food themes, quiet reading time, and discovery activities to the spring calendar.
April 1: Silly Shelving & Read-Aloud
Step-by-Step Instructions- Choose one small section or cart to mix up books.
- Place a sign: "April Fools! Can you find 5 mix-ups?"
- Host a short storytime using silly voices or playful reading.
- Optional: End with a joke contest.
- Reset the shelf afterward.
April 2: PB&J Day – Recipe Swap
Step-by-Step Instructions- Set up a bulletin board labeled "Share Your Perfect PB&J!"
- Display food-themed books.
- Host a short storytime about food or sandwiches.
- Provide paper sandwich cutouts for decorating.
- Share favorite recipes on library social media if desired.
April 12: D.E.A.R. Day
Step-by-Step Instructions- Create a "D.E.A.R. Zone – Shhh!" area.
- Place chairs, pillows, or cushions for reading.
- Invite staff to read visibly at desks for 10 minutes.
- Optional: Provide "I D.E.A.R.'d!" bookmarks.
- Check supplies as needed.
April 23: Blind Date With a Book & Genre Game
Step-by-Step Instructions- Wrap selected books and write three keywords describing each.
- Display wrapped books with a "Blind Date with a Book" sign.
- Provide dice or cards for genre challenges.
- Invite patrons to select books based on the clues.
- Include a rating card if desired.
From Magic to Millionaires
Use popular themes, creativity, poetry, and financial literacy to create programs that appeal across age groups.
May 2: International Harry Potter Day
Step-by-Step Instructions- Display Harry Potter books in a prominent area.
- Optional: Prepare trivia sheets or themed crafts.
- Encourage patrons to dress up or participate in activities.
- Take photos for social media if allowed.
- Keep the display stocked throughout the day.
May 4: Star Wars Day
Step-by-Step Instructions- Set up Star Wars books and display signs.
- Optional: Include a scavenger hunt.
- Encourage staff to participate in small themed activities.
- Return books to their proper shelves afterward.
May 9: Alphabet Day
Step-by-Step Instructions- Display a book for every letter A–Z.
- Label each book with its letter.
- Encourage kids to collect or identify letters.
- Take photos for a newsletter or social media if desired.
May 12: National Limerick Day
Step-by-Step Instructions- Display poetry books and humorous poems.
- Set up paper and markers for patrons to write their own limericks.
- Invite staff to share favorite limericks.
- Post selected limericks on a community board.
May 20: Be a Millionaire Day
Step-by-Step Instructions- Display books on financial literacy, wealth-building, and biographies.
- Optional: Include discussion prompts or short book talks.
- Encourage teens and adults to explore goal-setting and money-management resources.
Great Outdoors & Community
Bring the library outdoors with nature, creativity, community participation, and summer reading energy.
June 5: Eco-Warrior Workshop & Recycled Art
Step-by-Step Instructions- Set up a recycling station for clean bottles, caps, and cardboard.
- Provide glue, paint, and craft supplies.
- Challenge participants to create "Library Monsters" or "Garden Guardians."
- Display creations in the library for a week.
- Optional: Add a seed-bomb activity using appropriate materials.
June 14: Flag Day – Design Your Own Identity Flag
Step-by-Step Instructions- Display books about flags of the world and their meanings.
- Provide fabric markers and cloth squares or cardstock.
- Ask patrons: "If you were a country, what would your flag look like?"
- Encourage symbols representing hobbies, family, or dreams.
- String the flags together to create a community display.
June 21: Summer Solstice – Outdoor Reading Picnic
Step-by-Step Instructions- Set up an outdoor reading area with blankets and pillows.
- Curate books about nature, sunshine, and outdoor adventures.
- Provide appropriate light refreshments if desired.
- Encourage patrons to read outdoors and share favorite passages.
- Optional: Host a short poetry reading.
Summer Adventures
Keep summer programming lively with humor, sharing, hands-on challenges, and space-themed discovery.
July 1: The Great Library Joke-Off
Step-by-Step Instructions- Create a "Joke Jar" at the front desk.
- Display joke and riddle books nearby.
- Choose a "Joke of the Day."
- Optional: Host a 30-minute open mic for kids.
July 15: Community Book Swap
Step-by-Step Instructions- Invite patrons to bring gently used books.
- Set up a free book table organized by age group.
- Encourage patrons to take books they want to read.
- Optional: Provide bookmarks or stickers.
- Donate remaining books to a local organization when appropriate.
July 20: Moon Mission – DIY Lunar Landers
Step-by-Step Instructions- Display books about the Apollo 11 moon landing.
- Give each participant a simple building supply kit.
- Challenge participants to build a lander that protects a small "astronaut."
- Test the landers and discuss the results.
- Optional: Award creative or engineering-themed recognitions.
Family Fun & Book Lovers
Celebrate books, pets, families, and summer memories with approachable activities that work in many library spaces.
August 8: Whisker Crafts & Cat Tales
Step-by-Step Instructions- Display cat-themed books.
- Set up a craft station for making cat masks.
- Provide a "Purr-fect Reading Spot."
- Host a short storytime featuring favorite cat characters.
- Optional: Invite an animal organization to share information.
August 9: "Read-In" Pajama Party
Step-by-Step Instructions- Invite patrons to come in pajamas.
- Set up reading forts with tables, blankets, and pillows.
- Provide flashlights or book lights.
- Serve appropriate light snacks if desired.
- Lead a favorite-book show-and-tell.
August 26: Paws & Pages – Dog Toy Making
Step-by-Step Instructions- Partner with a local animal organization when appropriate.
- Use clean old t-shirts to make braided dog pull-toys.
- Provide clear instructions for braiding.
- Collect finished toys for donation if desired.
- Display books on dog care and training.
Back to School & Community
Welcome patrons back into the rhythm of fall with literacy, history, nature, and community-focused activities.
September 8: International Literacy Day – Community Reading Challenge
Step-by-Step Instructions- Create a display featuring books for children, teens, and adults.
- Set up a simple reading challenge card.
- Provide blank cards for patron recommendations.
- Add recommendations to a community reading board.
- Share selected recommendations in the newsletter or social media.
September 17: Constitution Day – History & Trivia
Step-by-Step Instructions- Create a display featuring books about American history, government, and the Constitution.
- Prepare a short trivia sheet.
- Place copies at the information desk or display area.
- Invite patrons to complete the trivia independently.
- Display interesting historical facts throughout the library.
September 22: Fall Reading & Nature Hunt
Step-by-Step Instructions- Create a fall-themed display featuring nature and autumn books.
- Provide a simple nature scavenger hunt for families.
- Encourage families to identify leaves, birds, trees, or other natural items.
- Invite participants to return completed scavenger hunts.
- Display children's drawings or observations.
Fall Fun & Creative Programs
Build engaging fall displays and activities around food, discovery, creativity, and seasonal fun.
October 1: Cookie-Themed Book Display
Step-by-Step Instructions- Display cookbooks and children's books featuring cookies and baking.
- Create a "What's Your Favorite Cookie?" voting board.
- Provide paper cookie shapes for patrons to decorate.
- Display completed creations around the library.
- Share the most popular choice in the newsletter if desired.
October 16: World Food Day – Food Around the World
Step-by-Step Instructions- Create a display featuring books about food and cultures around the world.
- Choose several countries and create simple fact cards.
- Invite patrons to place a sticker next to a country they want to learn about.
- Provide recipe cards featuring simple dishes.
- Encourage patrons to check out related books.
October 31: Halloween – Mystery Book Hunt
Step-by-Step Instructions- Select mystery, spooky, or Halloween-themed books.
- Hide clues throughout a designated library section.
- Each clue leads to another location or book.
- The final clue leads to a small prize or bookmark.
- Reset the activity as needed.
Gratitude & Community
Create welcoming activities that celebrate authors, kindness, community connections, and gratitude.
November 1: National Author's Day – Meet the Authors Display
Step-by-Step Instructions- Create a display featuring books by local and popular authors.
- Add short author biographies beside selected books.
- Include a section where patrons can name an author they would love to meet.
- Encourage patrons to explore an author they have never read.
- Add author interviews or library resources if available.
November 13: World Kindness Day – Kindness Card Station
Step-by-Step Instructions- Set up a table with blank cards and colored pencils.
- Invite patrons to create a kindness card.
- Provide simple prompts such as "Thank you for..."
- Display selected cards around the library.
- Partner with a local organization if the library wants to distribute cards.
November 25: Community Gratitude Wall
Step-by-Step Instructions- Create a display titled "What Are You Thankful For?"
- Provide leaf-shaped paper cutouts.
- Invite patrons to write something they are thankful for.
- Add the leaves to a large community tree.
- Keep the display available throughout Thanksgiving week.
Holiday Spirit & Giving
Close the year with community service, creativity, seasonal reading, and welcoming library experiences.
December 5: International Volunteer Day – Community Helpers
Step-by-Step Instructions- Create a display featuring books about volunteering, community service, and helping others.
- Include information about local organizations that welcome volunteers.
- Invite patrons to write one way they have helped someone.
- Display responses on a community board.
- Add a section highlighting library volunteer opportunities.
December 12: Holiday Card Making Station
Step-by-Step Instructions- Set up a table with blank cards and simple craft supplies.
- Provide holiday and winter-themed books nearby for inspiration.
- Invite children and families to create cards.
- Display some finished cards in the library.
- If appropriate, partner with a local organization to distribute cards.
December 20: Winter Solstice – Cozy Reading Day
Step-by-Step Instructions- Create a cozy reading area with pillows, blankets, and comfortable seating.
- Display books about winter, snow, holidays, and seasonal traditions.
- Provide bookmarks for patrons.
- Play quiet instrumental background music if permitted.
- Encourage patrons to spend time reading and discovering new books.