The Osawatomie Public Library utilized literacy grant funding from NEKLS to launch a cooking literacy program for all ages. This unique initiative serves patrons across generations, fostering functional food and nutrition literacy in the community. The grant funding enabled the library to purchase a range, vent hood, basic kitchen supplies, and covered the cost of the necessary wiring.
Library Director Sam Moon shared, “We’ve loved our kitchen labs and the benefit of having the electric range in our youth department. It’s been so much fun working with all of our youth patrons, even the tiny pre-k Storytime kids, on different skills. Pre-k kitchen labs focus on supervised kitchen safety and fine motor skills, like mixing or chopping (with toddler-safe cutlery, of course). We’re also excited to expand our programming this spring for older teens with ‘dorm room cooking’ labs. These sessions will teach them how to safely store and prepare food using common dorm appliances or communal kitchens.
The funding from NEKLS for the electric stove and range has truly opened doors of possibility for our programming. We’re constantly finding new ways to utilize this addition, almost like it’s an extension of our makerspace. We’ve absolutely loved it!”
Elementary-age patrons have enjoyed exploring kitchen independence through programs featuring basic recipes and food safety instruction, such as lessons on avoiding cross-contamination. The range has also proven useful for craft programs—this holiday season, we’re planning to make salt dough ornaments. And, of course, we love using it to prepare refreshments for our programs.
