Cedar Park Public Library is launching its fifth Cedar Park Reads program this weekend, themed after food and nonfiction.
"Bon Appetit: Here's to Julia" begins Feb. 1 at noon, Library Director Pauline Lam said.
Featured books include My Life in France by chef Julia Child for adult readers and Minette's Feast: The Delicious Story of Julia Child and Her Cat by Susanna Reich and Amy Bates, which is intended for child readers. But guests do not need to have read either of those titles before attending the inaugural event at the library, Lam said.
"Just come in and enjoy the free food," she said.
Several local businesses and restaurants—Bellini's Texas Grill, Costco, Apron Strings Cakes, Freddie's Frozen Custard and Roasters Coffee Caf—will provide a colorful culinary palette.
Lam said the library's committee wanted to choose a special theme for the event's fifth year.
"We want to find something that people like—and food," Lam said. "Everybody likes food. And Julia Child is very popular. We have multiple copies of both of the books that people can check out. We also have one audiobook."
Library staffers expect 200 people to attend Feb. 1, the first of several events this month:
- "Bon Appetit! Here's to Julia," Feb. 1, noon–3 p.m.
- Family movie: "Ratatouille," Feb. 5, 2:30 p.m.
- Movies in the Morning: "Julie and Julia," Feb. 7, 10 a.m.
- Adult book discussion group and potluck, Feb. 11, noon
- Edible book contest, Feb. 22, 2 p.m.
Lam said the library has a special finale planned for the Feb. 22 edible book contest.
"People should create something edible based on a book theme," she said. "Bring it in, and we'll have celebrity judges: Mayor Matt Powell, Justice of the Peace Edna Staudt, our Assistant City Manager Josh Selleck and Police Chief Sean Mannix."