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A virtual cooking class series for kids, Book n’ Cook 2026 is intended for children ages 8-12 and their families. With monthly episodes from May-October, the free program is a collaboration between Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library and Urban Seeds to promote literacy, local food, and agricultural education. Book n’ Cook participants receive a “cook kit” with kitchen tools and equipment and a set of new books at the start of the program. Participants pick up the recipe ingredients on Friday at their nearest EVPL location and tune in live on Saturday morning or watch the recording at a later time. As part of the library’s commitment to cultivating curiosity by creating wonder, EVPL supports this culinary arts initiative.
Young chefs can learn about the tradition of food and cooking, local food systems, and land use during Book N’ Cook, a virtual program. We encourage you to share a dish with family and start a dialogue about the cooking traditions in your family.
The reading materials and cooking instructions are intended for children ages 8-12, but we welcome participation from all family members in the program. Please note that some sessions will involve use of a small kitchen knife. Attendance to all monthly classes is not mandatory, but encouraged for consistency.
*Pick-up locations are dependent upon library schedules and potential closures due to renovations. Pick-up locations may change monthly based on these factors.
NOTE: EVPL West will NOT be available for ingredient pick-up the month of October (Fall Festival closure). All ingredients typically sent to West will be available for pick-up at EVPL Red Bank Express for that month only.
2026 Dates
This year, Book n Cook 2026 will be divided into two different sessions. Families are welcome to register for both sessions, but registration for the second session will not open up until July 13. You do not have to attend the first session to be able to register for the second session.
First Session
- Saturday, May 9, 2026 • 11:00 am | Get the recipe
- Saturday, June 13, 2026 • 11:00 am
- Saturday, July 11, 2026 • 11:00 am
Second Session
Registration opens at 9:00 am on July 13.
- Saturday, August 8, 2026 • 11:00 am
- Saturday, September 12, 2026 • 11:00 am
- Saturday, October 10, 2026 • 11:00 am
2026 Cook Books
Coming soon!
2026 Recordings
Check out what we did during Book n’ Cook 2025.
