Mechanicsburg, PA – Cumberland County book and garden lovers are encouraged to participate in the 10th annual Longwood Gardens’ 2023 Community Read – a program designed to encourage reading for pleasure and to start a conversation. This year, readers can look at how food is a connector of people, and how food connects to the world of plants and gardening.
The 2023 selections include the featured book “Black Food: Stories, Art, and Recipes from Across the African Diaspora,” an exuberant celebration of foodways and culture edited and curated by celebrated chef and writer Bryant Terry.
The title for ages 4–7 is “Bring Me Some Apples and I’ll Make You a Pie: A Story About Edna Lewis,” (by Robbin Gourley), which traces the roots of Edna Lewis, a descendant of slaves who grew up to be a famous chef and includes five kid-friendly recipes.
“Cumberland County’s public libraries enjoy a strong partnership with Longwood Gardens through the Community Read,” said Carolyn Blatchley, library system executive director. “The book selections this year are engaging, with rich imagery and delicious connections to home and community.”
Visit your local Cumberland County Library to check out and read one or all of these books. Share with family and friends and have a discussion. Visit www.CumberlandCountyLibraries.org for a complete list of Longwood Gardens’ Community Read special programs taking place at libraries throughout the county in spring of 2023.
The Cumberland County Library System (CCLS) has seven local libraries, one branch facility, a system administrative office, and a non-profit foundation. The library system provides service to more than 262,000 people in Cumberland County and a small portion of Franklin County.
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The Cumberland County Library System is a federated library system consisting of seven member libraries, one branch facility, an administrative headquarters, and a non-profit foundation. Member libraries include Amelia S. Givin Free Library in Mt. Holly Springs, Bosler Memorial Library in Carlisle, Coy Public Library of Shippensburg, East Pennsboro Branch Library in Enola, Fredricksen Library in Camp Hill, John Graham Library in Newville, New Cumberland Public Library, and Simpson Library in Mechanicsburg.