Eat, drink, be merry and read

     The Monticello Public Library is introducing a new twist on book clubs.

     Starting in the new year, the library is offering two programs on a bi-monthly basis.

     Boasts & Toasts will begin on Thursday, Jan. 3.

     Monticello library’s technology and adult services director MaDonna Kremer said the idea for Boasts & Toasts came about following the book discussions during the library’s Great American Read programming.

     “People were talking about different books and it branched off,” Kremer shared. “Everyone was really excited to talk about books.”

     Boasts & Toasts will give readers a chance to talk about any book they’re currently reading or recently read while patronizing a local eating/drinking establishment.

     “It’s nice to take (library) events to other places and provide business to those establishments,” said Kremer, “especially on week nights. We’ll help support local businesses at the same time.”

     Kremer said while some people might be involved in a small, intimate book club, reading is generally categorized as an independent, individualized hobby.

     “I want people to talk about the books they’re reading and push the socialization aspect,” encouraged Kremer. “People will hopefully find out what books are good to read, and find out about book they may not know about.”

     Boasts & Toasts is slated to start around 6:30 p.m. It will be held on the first Thursday of the odd-numbered months at the following locations:

     • Jan. 3 at Hillside Sports Bar & Grill

     • March 7 at The Jitney

     • May 2 at Pizza Ranch

     Kremer said depending on how many people show up, she may advise breaking into smaller groups to discuss everyone’s books.

     “I look at this as a way to explore other genres of books people normally wouldn’t read,” she said. “This is a safe adventure into a new type of book.”

     Attendees are encouraged to purchase food and beverages at their cost. She said if you want to come early and start eating, that’s perfectly acceptable; or you can eat during the book discussions, too.

     “I hope to have the discussions wrapped up by 8 p.m.,” she said of the pending timeframe.

     Kremer said Boasts & Toasts is a good way to find out about a book, more than what you might read on the back cover or inside the book.

     If people recommend any books the Monticello library does not currently have in its inventory, Kremer said the library can borrow the book from another library through Interlibrary Loan for just $2.

     “Or maybe that person would be comfortable lending the book out at their own discretion,” suggested Kremer.

     The Monticello library also has a plethora of e-books through Bridges, as long as you have a good-standing library card.

     You do not need to sign up in advance for Boasts & Toasts; just simply show up to take part. More dates will be added depending upon the interest.

     Paired with Boasts & Toasts, Cook the Book will take place in the evenings of the first Thursday of the even months:

     • Feb. 7

     • April 4

     • June 6

     Unlike Boasts & Toasts, readers involved in Cook the Book will all read the same food-themed book. The first book for February is “Dying for Chocolate” by Diane Mott Davidson. The fictional story is a light mystery, explained Kremer, mixed with a romance. She picked the book to tie it in with Valentine’s Day: chocolate and romance.

     “I thought it would be a good fit,” suggested Kremer.

     Each book chosen for Cook the Book involves recipes found inside the book that are related to the plot/theme of the story. Kremer said each reader will be asked to make something mentioned in the book and bring it in to share during the bi-monthly book discussions. Copies of “Dying for Chocolate” are currently available at the Monticello for check-out.

     “I thought this would be a way to bring the culinary arts into reading,” suggested Kremer. She said Cook the Book will be a potluck-style event. “And people always socialize at potlucks,” added Kremer of the book discussions. “So this will bring people together around food and books.”

     Cook the Book events will be held inside the library.

     Kremer said the idea for Cook the Book came about after seeing similar ideas at other libraries. “Some just choose a themed cookbook,” she said. Kremer felt reading and pairing it with themed-food was a neat alternative.

     Readers interested in Cook the Book have two months to check out the book and read it before the discussion date.

     “Hopefully people can get through it in time,” said Kremer.

     For more information, visit the Monticello library’s Facebook page: “Monticello Public Library - Ross & Elizabeth Baty.”