There is grant money for the Athens-Clarke County Library: $10,000 from the American Library Association will be used to set up a free six-week series of culinary classes to be conducted at the library on Baxter Street.
From the Athens-Clarke County Library…
– The Athens-Clarke County Library, part of the Athens Regional Library System, has been selected as one of 20 public libraries nationwide to receive a $10,000 American Dream Literacy Initiative grant from the American Library Association (ALA) and Dollar General Literacy Foundation.
With the funding, the Athens-Clarke County Library will offer a six-week culinary literacy class to help adult learners become more confident with the English language while also learning how to cook healthy, budget-friendly meals.
“We are delighted to offer this program in our community,” said Athens Regional Library System Executive Director Valerie Bell. “Many times, the library is one of the first places immigrants turn to for help with learning how to read and write in English. By combining ESL education with an activity that is almost universally enjoyed – cooking delicious food – we can help adult learners become more comfortable using English while learning some new culinary skills and adding to their families’ repertoire of meals.”
The program will use the Edible Alphabet curriculum, which was developed by the Free Library in Philadelphia's Culinary Literacy Center at the Parkway Central Library. Edible Alphabet is a unique teaching model that combines nutrition and cooking instruction with English-language education. The curriculum uses recipes that can be completed in a minimal kitchen setting, and in some cases, with no kitchen at all! Measuring cups, bowls, knives, and cutting boards will be available, but many other amenities will not. Each recipe in the series, such as pancakes, kale berry smoothies and even pasta primavera, is designed to be made using just a hot plate or portable stove and a blender.
Participants will learn how to read recipes and measurements, and how to use math to adjust recipes. They will also learn new English vocabulary and practice language skills by sharing favorite recipes.
Each session will be led by Terry Salguero, a certified ESL instructor, and Chef Shawanda Nicole Johnson of UGA’s Cooperative Extension Service. Salguero has taught ESL classes in Athens for many years, and Johnson is a UGA SNAP nutrition educator.
Classes will be held at the Athens-Clarke County Library, located at 2025 Baxter Street. The two-hour-long sessions at the library are scheduled for:
Monday, Oct. 22, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Monday, Oct. 29, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Monday, Nov. 5, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 7, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 12, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Monday, Nov. 19, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
All supplies will be provided, and the classes are free. Limited seating is available, and free registration is required. Participants can sign up for one or more sessions. Call the library at (706) 613-3650 to sign up or to learn more.
The Athens-Clarke County Library was selected through a competitive, peer-reviewed application process. Eighty-five public libraries applied for the 20 available grants, according to the ALA Public Programs Office.
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