HAVE you ever wondered what a book tastes like?
Balranald Shire Library welcomed bookworms and others alike to a “book tasting” on Monday night – something the team is looking to run every month from now.
It’s a free event where both food and books are bought the the table.
Balranald Shire Library manager Janaya Gaston said she came up with the idea when researching different book clubs and decided she should do something different.
“The expense was way too high for our little community and the books to choose from did not always suit our readers so I decided to open the library for one hour once a month to all who feel they might like to share what they are reading and possibly just have a chat,” Ms Gaston said.
“The tasting idea developed as I spoke to different authors about what food or drink they might pair with their book.
“I asked them ‘What image could you see of a reader, relaxing, taking in your words, but also tasting and smelling to heighten their experience?’
“We have had some great feedback from authors so I can’t wait to share this with our community at these monthly events.”
Ms Gaston said she hoped the event would not only help people in the community engage with literature but also create a safe space.
“It gives them an opportunity to speak with other like-minded people but also opens up the door for people to wander in and be themselves and just come in and have a chat.”
Ms Gaston said the event was more flexible and accessible than most book clubs.
“It’s more flexible and it won’t cost you a fortune to attend because it’s a free event,” she said.
“When you subscribe to a lot of book clubs you need to purchase books that they choose, whereas this is more open and you can just bring in whatever you’re reading.
“That way they can get introduced to different genres.”
Ms Gaston said she hoped the event would play a part in making the library a community hub for people to come and relax in.
In the past year Balranald Shire Library has had its spaces revamped to suit the need of the community as a result of receiving funding from the New South Wales Government’s $6 million Public Library Infrastructure Grant.
“It’s especially important for children and young adults who need to have a free space to chill in instead of just being out on the main street,” Ms Gaston said.
“It’s an area where they have access to a kitchen, public toilets and a playground area while they might be waiting for mum and dad to finish work.”
