September means the end of summer and the start of autumn, with cooling weather, leaves starting to turn along the North Shore, and delicious foods from the fall harvest. And what better way to spice up your cooking this season than by getting a new book of recipes for the best price: Free, with participation in the Two Harbors Public Library’s Cookbook Swap event. The swap event is a straightforward exchange of a book for a book. For every gently used cookbook guests drop off at the library’s front desk between September 1st and the 10th, they will receive a ticket. On September 10th from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm, stop in again with those tickets and head to the library’s meeting room where a selection of pre-loved cookbooks will be available and generally sorted by category. Each ticket can be exchanged for one cookbook. Those with no cookbooks to exchange but who are still hoping to grab a cookbook for their own collection will be able to browse and select from the selection in the meeting room starting at 5:30 pm until the library closes at 7:00 pm. Any cookbooks not taken by the end of the evening will be donated to the Friends of the Two Harbors Library group to sell during their October book sale, with funds going towards supporting the library.
Two Harbors Public Library Director Madeline Jarvis has already begun hearing of folks “going through their cupboards and their kitchens” in preparation for what books they’re willing to give a new life to and what types of recipes they might want to add to their collection. Keep in mind that there is no limit for trade-ins, so if you have 60 cookbooks you’d like to give away, go for it! On September 10th, the door will be kept open all day to allow folks to stop in for cookbook selection, whether on their lunch break or after work. “We want to make sure it’s flexible, that folks can do it on their own schedule,” Jarvis said. “We do have people who come by and just enjoy sitting and browsing, too.”
Jarvis encourages that even if someone isn’t able to make this event, there are always more coming up. The library has previously done two swap events, one for craft supplies and another for puzzles. Staff is finding the events are a growing hit, with around 80 and over 130 participants, respectively. During the craft supply swap, Jarvis noted they “didn’t quite know what to expect, but people were very generous and excited to see new crafters start new projects.”
If you’re left hankering for more cookbooks after this event, the Silver Bay, Two Harbors, and Grand Marais libraries all have a good selection of cookbooks that can be checked out. If you don’t have a library card, now might be the time, as September has been designated by the American Library Association as National Library Card Sign-up Month. When it comes to getting a library card, “it’s never too late,” Jarvis said. “We’re not going to judge if you don’t have a card,” whether you’ve just moved to the area or have lived in the area for 30 years. She also wants people to know that the library is fine-free, for those paranoid about a slightly late return or two.
Minnesota is a one library card state, meaning that your library card from libraries in this area can be quickly added to libraries in other parts of the state, letting you easily browse and borrow from collections throughout Minnesota when you travel. Similarly, library books can be dropped off at any public library in the state, and they will be sent back to their proper location. “We are so lucky to be in Minnesota,” Jarvis commented, listing the access between libraries and the inter-library loan system, allowing borrowing between libraries, as unmatched within the country. It’s a powerful resource open to anyone to use, so get out there and see what could be cooking in your kitchen!
