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The Independence Public Library is excited to announce a new initiative, Eat, Play, Read. This grant-funded initiative will provide learning opportunities and resources for families with limited resources to learn about growing their own food, preparing healthy family meals, and focusing on creating a food-secure community. The aim is to connect families with the resources to grow fresh produce to provide healthy options for their families.

Through our partnerships with area organizations, the Independence Public Library will connect families with content experts who can demonstrate easy, low-cost gardening techniques, provide hands-on learning opportunities, and create a learning kitchen garden at the library. Thanks to grant funds, IPL will have two raised beds inside the library for patrons to learn about different fruits and vegetables and feature two hydroponic towers. Currently, the youth hydroponic tower is up and running with over 30 strawberry plants. Over the next month, we will add another tower and plant in the raised beds. Throughout the summer and fall, the library will offer gardening and sustainability classes for all ages.

Eat, Play, Read is a grant-funded initiative made possible by the Association of Rural and Small Libraries in partnership with Penguin Random House Publishing. The Independence Public Library is one of 46 recipients nationwide of this year’s grant to provide much-needed support for collections and library programming. “Libraries are the epicenters of our communities. They encourage new readers, support lifelong learners, and delight book lovers of all ages. Through our new Library Grants, we will recognize rural, small, and tribal libraries that support underserved communities in the U.S. and U.S. territories to help elevate their impact and build community support.” – Penguin Random House

To learn more, stop by the library and see the progress!

  • Find us at the Farmers Market!

    Saturday, June 3 @ 7:30 AM

 

  • Eat, Play, Read Storytime, Find the Pollen

    Tuesday, June 6 @ 10:00 AM
    Ages Birth-5
    Join Mr. Jacob for a story about flowers and to learn about a plant’s life cycle. This interactive storytime will have children up and moving, along with a fun activity. This storytime will feature important pollinators, parts of the flower, and teach attendees about the plant lifecycle.

 

  • Eat, Play, Read Storytime, What is a seed

    Tuesday, June 13 @ 10:00 AM
    Ages Birth-5
    In this second edition of Eat, Play, Read Storytime, attendees will hear a new story, and participate in a fund seed activity. Children will discover how plants make new plants and get to plant a few seeds of their own!

 

  • Garden Plant Care 101

    Friday, June 16 @ 6:00 PM
    Presented by Jesse Gilmore, Extension Agent, Horticulture, Wildcat Extension District
    Ages 18+ (Families Welcome)
    Are you new to gardening, or just want to have a higher yield? Join Jesse Gilmore from the Wildcat Extension District for a Garden Plant Care 101 class.

 

  • Nature Walk Challenge Begin

    Monday, June 19 – Thursday, August 31
    Ages 5-11 (Families)
    Nature is all around us! Go on a walk around your neighborhood and find items in nature that are the colors of the rainbow. Record what you find in the BeanStack Challenge to earn a prize!

 

  • Bean Challenge Begins

    Monday, June 19
    Ages 12-17
    Learn how a plant grows by participating in our Bean challenge on BeanStack. Youth are encouraged to stop by the library to pick up their seed starting packet. The packet explains how to participate using the BeanStack app. Youth can plant the seed, and then using BeanStack document the progress. At the end of the challenge, teens who completed it will receive a prize!

 

  • Eat, Play, Read Storytime, Flower Salad

    Tuesday, June 20 @ 10:00 AM
    Ages Birth-5
    Another story about flowers? This storytime will have kids moving and shaking, to create an appetite for a Flower Salad! Attendees will learn about edible flowers and create a flower salad!

 

  • Foraging

    Thursday, July 13 @ 6:00 PM
    Presented by Jesse Gilmore, Extension Agent, Horticulture, Wildcat Extension District
    Ages 18+ (Families Welcome)
    What is foraging? Foraging is the act of gathering wild food for free. Have you ever wondered what was edible in your yard? Have you heard of people making dandelion jam? Join Jesse Gilmore, from the Wildcat Extension District to discover the basics of foraging.

 

  • Find us at the Farmers Market

    Saturday, July 15 @ 7:30 AM

 

  • Bean Challenge Begin

    Monday, July 17
    Ages 12-17
    Did you miss the first challenge, or want to participate again? Learn how a plant grows by participating in our Bean challenge on BeanStack. Youth are encouraged to stop by the library to pick up their seed starting packet. The packet explains how to participate using the BeanStack app. Youth can plant the seed, and then using BeanStack document the progress. At the end of the challenge, teens who completed it will receive a prize!

 

  • Find us at the Farmers Market

    Saturday, August 12 @ 7:30 AM

 

  • Family Container Garden

    Thursday, August 10 @ 6:00 PM
    Ages Family
    Did you know you can grow your own food with limited space? Come out to discover how you can start your own Family Container Garden inside your home. This family friendly workshop will teach participants how to regrow food, and create their own small container garden. Sign-up is required due to limited space and supplies. Sign up by calling the library at 620.331.3030 or emailing Brandon West at brandon@iplks.org.

 

  • Fall Gardening

    Sunday, August 13 @ 2:00 PM
    Presented by Jesse Gilmore, Extension Agent, Horticulture, Wildcat Extension District
    Ages 18+ (Families welcome)
    Did you know you can grow a garden in the fall? Join the Independence Public Library and the Wildcat Extension District as we learn about fall gardening. This informative presentation is geared towards adults, but the whole family is welcome.

 

  • Food Saving/Storage

    Tuesday, August 29 @ 6:00 PM
    Presented by Holly Miner, Extension Agent, Health, Food Safety and Nutrition, Wildcat Extension District
    Ages 18+ (Families welcome)
    Food saving can be a nightmare, but also a blessing. Join Holly Miner from the Wildcat Extension District as they teach us how to preserve the food we grow.

Books Available at IPL!

Growing Flowers : by Irving, Niki

Growing Flowers : by Irving, Niki

New Garden Book /

New Garden Book /

Suzy Bales' Down-to-Earth Gardener : by Bales, Suzanne Frutig

Suzy Bales' Down-to-Earth Gardener : by Bales, Suzanne Frutig

Better Homes and Gardens Herb Gardening.

Better Homes and Gardens Herb Gardening.

Complete Container Herb Gardening : by Goetz, Sue

Complete Container Herb Gardening : by Goetz, Sue

Tomorrow's Garden : by Orr, Stephen

Tomorrow's Garden : by Orr, Stephen

Square Foot Gardening / by Bartholomew, Mel

Square Foot Gardening / by Bartholomew, Mel

Herbs / by Lewis, Eleanore

Herbs / by Lewis, Eleanore

Month-by-Month Gardening In Kansas : by Miller, Mike

Month-by-Month Gardening In Kansas : by Miller, Mike

How to Build, Maintain, and Use A Compost System : by Smith, Kelly M

How to Build, Maintain, and Use A Compost System : by Smith, Kelly M

Gardening Shortcuts / by Hendy, Jenny

Gardening Shortcuts / by Hendy, Jenny

Sustainable Market Farming : by Dawling, Pam

Sustainable Market Farming : by Dawling, Pam

Organic Gardening for the 21st Century / by Fedor, John

Organic Gardening for the 21st Century / by Fedor, John

The Gardener's A-Z Guide to Growing Flowers From Seed to Bloom / by Powell, Eileen

The Gardener's A-Z Guide to Growing Flowers From Seed to Bloom / by Powell, Eileen

The Flower-Powered Garden : by Vernon, Andy

The Flower-Powered Garden : by Vernon, Andy

Gardening Success : by McHoy, Peter

Gardening Success : by McHoy, Peter

Hydroponics for Beginners / by Harms, Jeree

Hydroponics for Beginners / by Harms, Jeree

Aquaponic Gardening : by Bernstein, Sylvia

Aquaponic Gardening : by Bernstein, Sylvia

P. Allen Smith's Colors for the Garden : by Smith, P. Allen

P. Allen Smith's Colors for the Garden : by Smith, P. Allen

The A-Z of Companion Planting / by Neville, Jayne

The A-Z of Companion Planting / by Neville, Jayne

The Complete Guide to No-Dig Gardening : by Nardozzi, Charlie

The Complete Guide to No-Dig Gardening : by Nardozzi, Charlie

The Medicinal Gardening Handbook : by Cummings, Dede

The Medicinal Gardening Handbook : by Cummings, Dede

A Backyard Vegetable Garden for Kids / by Leavitt, Amie Jane

A Backyard Vegetable Garden for Kids / by Leavitt, Amie Jane

Prairie Lands Gardener's Guide : by Barash, Cathy Wilkinson

Prairie Lands Gardener's Guide : by Barash, Cathy Wilkinson

Fresh Food From Small Spaces : by Ruppenthal, R. J

Fresh Food From Small Spaces : by Ruppenthal, R. J

The Plant Lover's Guide to Salvias / by Whittlesey, John

The Plant Lover's Guide to Salvias / by Whittlesey, John

Diy Hydroponic Gardens / by Baras, Tyler

Diy Hydroponic Gardens / by Baras, Tyler

The Complete Guide to Working With Worms : by VIncent, Wendy M

The Complete Guide to Working With Worms : by VIncent, Wendy M

Got Shade? : by Harstad, Carolyn

Got Shade? : by Harstad, Carolyn

Container Gardening / by Williams, Paul

Container Gardening / by Williams, Paul

The Backyard Parables : by Roach, Margaret

The Backyard Parables : by Roach, Margaret

Flower Gardening 1-2-3 :

Flower Gardening 1-2-3 :

Midwest Fruit & Vegetable Gardening : by Elzer-Peters, Katie

Midwest Fruit & Vegetable Gardening : by Elzer-Peters, Katie

Gardening With Prairie Plants : by Wasowski, Sally

Gardening With Prairie Plants : by Wasowski, Sally

The Heirloom Gardener : by Forti, John

The Heirloom Gardener : by Forti, John

Year-Round Bloomers : by Baker, Jerry

Year-Round Bloomers : by Baker, Jerry

Taunton's New Front Yard Idea Book / by Soria, Sandra S

Taunton's New Front Yard Idea Book / by Soria, Sandra S

The Complete Compost Gardening Guide : by Pleasant, Barbara

The Complete Compost Gardening Guide : by Pleasant, Barbara

Southern Living Big Book of Flower Gardening.

Southern Living Big Book of Flower Gardening.

The Organic Home Garden : by Lima, Patrick

The Organic Home Garden : by Lima, Patrick

Container Theme Gardens : 42 Combinations, Each Using 5 Perfectly Matched Plants / by Ondra, Nancy J

Container Theme Gardens : 42 Combinations, Each Using 5 Perfectly Matched Plants / by Ondra, Nancy J

Discover The Basics!

Find out more by subscribing to Kansas State University’s Extension YouTube Page.

What is Hydroponics?

D.I.Y. Hydroponics

Vertical Tower System

Aeroponic System

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Hydroponics System

Kratky System

What Can I Grow?

Books Available for Check-Out!

Once Upon A Chef : by Segal, Jennifer
The Plant Paradox Cookbook : by Gundry, Steven R
Cooking From the Spirit : by Brown, Tabitha
The Quintessential Quinoa Cookbook : by Polisi, Wendy
The 30-Minute Fibromyalgia Cookbook : by Nasar, Bonnie
Delicious Diabetic Recipes : by Polak, Rani
Share :
Mom and Me Cookbook : Have Fun In the Kitchen / by Karmel, Annabel
Top Chef :
Skinny Bitch. by Barnouin, Kim
Eating Local :
The Romantic Prairie Cookbook: by O'Neill, Fifi
Forks Over Knives--the Cookbook : by Sroufe, Del
Fairy Tale Lunches : by Yolen, Jane
Heart Disease Cookbook : by Reines, Katie
The Skinnytaste Cookbook : Light On Calories, Big On Flavor / by Homolka, Gina
Cooking for Jeffrey : by Garten, Ina
The Master Your Metabolism Cookbook / by Michaels, Jillian
The Meat Free Monday Cookbook /
The Bon Appétit Cookbook / by Fairchild, Barbara
Nobu's Vegetarian Cookbook / by Matsuhisa, Nobuyuki
My Prairie Cookbook : by Gilbert, Melissa
Modern Comfort Food : by Garten, Ina
Mama Dip's Family Cookbook / by Council, Mildred
Forks Over Knives :
The Little House Cookbook : by Walker, Barbara M
Home Made : by Boven, Yvette Van
The Forks Over Knives Plan : by Pulde, Alona
The Tuscan Sun Cookbook / by Mayes, Frances
The Blender Girl : by Masters, Tess
Weight Watchers One Pot Cookbook.
The Prairie Table Cookbook / by Kurtis, Bill
New Junior Cookbook /
The Martha Stewart Cookbook : by Stewart, Martha
Vegan for Everybody :
An Unapologetic Cookbook / by Weissman, Joshua

More Content Coming Soon!

Books Available for Check-Out at IPL!

Waste-Free Kitchen Handbook : by Gunders, Dana

Waste-Free Kitchen Handbook : by Gunders, Dana

Pressure Canning for Beginners and Beyond : by Schneider, Angi

Pressure Canning for Beginners and Beyond : by Schneider, Angi

Well-Preserved : by Bone, Eugenia

Well-Preserved : by Bone, Eugenia

Food In Jars : by McClellan, Marisa

Food In Jars : by McClellan, Marisa

Saving the Season : by West, Kevin

Saving the Season : by West, Kevin

Canning for A New Generation : by Krissoff, Liana

Canning for A New Generation : by Krissoff, Liana

Stocking Up :

Stocking Up :

Fix, Freeze, Feast by Neville, Kati

Fix, Freeze, Feast by Neville, Kati

The Heirloom Life Gardener : by Gettle, Jere

The Heirloom Life Gardener : by Gettle, Jere

Henley's Formulas for Home and Workshop :

Henley's Formulas for Home and Workshop :

Downshiftology Healthy Meal Prep: by Bryan, Lisa

Downshiftology Healthy Meal Prep: by Bryan, Lisa

The Country Living Handbook : by Gehring, Abigail R

The Country Living Handbook : by Gehring, Abigail R

Home Hacks :

Home Hacks :

Make It Ahead : A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook / by Garten, Ina

Make It Ahead : A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook / by Garten, Ina

The Blue Chair Jam Cookbook / by Saunders, Rachel

The Blue Chair Jam Cookbook / by Saunders, Rachel

Preserving Your Food

How to Can Your Food

Find out more by visiting the Kansas State Extension’s YouTube Channel!

Join the Community

The Independence Public Library and our Community Partners are working to ensure you have access to the resources and knowledge to grow and preserve your own food.  As part of this endeavor we are working to build a community to help one another achieve food security and provide healthy eating options.  Do you have a question about gardening or food storage? Is there something you would like to learn more about? Feel free to submit a question or comment and we will ask the experts for you!

The Independence Public Library is proud to be working with an amazing group of community partners! Our Eat, Play, Read partners consist of content experts, audience experts, and local farmers and gardeners. Click on each of our community partners to learn more about them!

Content Experts: Organizations  with knowledge of gardening, food production, healthy meals, and nutrition.

Audience Experts: Organizations who work with families with limited resources.

Individual Experts: Individuals who are either audience or content experts, but do not represent an organization.

 

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