Third Series of "Cooking the Books" to Kick Off at GIPL

Grand Island, Neb. — The Grand Island Public Library is inviting the public to explore the rich culinary traditions that connect generations as the Cooking the Books Book Club returns for its third series on Saturday, August 9 at 12 p.m. (This date reflects a change from the club’s typical third-Saturday schedule)

August’s meeting coincides with the library’s featured exhibit, Then & Now: The Flavors of Grand Island, which is a collaborative effort with the Stuhr Museum that highlights immigrant-owned restaurants and the historic buildings that continue to shape Grand Island’s diverse food culture.

Participants are encouraged to delve into community cookbooks—those cherished collections created by churches, schools, civic groups and neighborhoods that preserve local food traditions. Attendees are invited to select a cookbook of their choice and bring a dish that reflects the theme of communal cooking to share with the group.

“Community cookbooks tell the story of our communities throughout the generations,” said Reference & Collections Services Librarian Shaun Klee. “They’re the perfect complement to our current exhibit celebrating the diverse flavors that immigrant families have brought to Grand Island throughout the decades."

Cooking the Books is a unique book club for those passionate about food, cooking and discovering new recipes. Each month, participants explore a themed cookbook, prepare dishes at home and come together to share their culinary creations and experiences. The club offers a welcoming space for recipe inspiration and lively discussion. The full 2025–2026 Cooking the Books schedule can be found at https://gilibrary.org/services/adult-services/book-clubs.

The Grand Island Public Library proudly serves residents of both the City of Grand Island and Hall County. Free library cards are available to individuals who live in or own property within Hall County. For more information, visit www.gilibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook and Instagram. Patrons can manage accounts, search the catalog and access digital collections at https://gilibrary.tlcdelivers.com.

For more information, please contact Reference and Collections Services Librarian Shaun Klee at [email protected].