Evans Library will blend culinary and literary creativity April 1 with Texas A&M’s first edible book competition. The competition will allow contestants to enter “punny” representations of their favorite book titles or characters, constructed solely out of food.
Stephanie Graves, an A&M library director and associate professor, was one of the librarians who helped implement the idea.
“I think it’s a way to celebrate books and reading as well,” Graves said. “It’s a fun event so people get to choose their favorite book and really show their creativity and it’s just a wonderful event to celebrate reading and literacy and libraries and food.”
Graves said there will be several categories for entries, including best faculty creation, best student creation, “punniest” creation and grossest creation. The competition will also be interactive for students and staff that don’t enter by having a people’s choice award, which enables onlookers to vote for a winner.
Graves said the winners of each category will get a $100 gift card, most likely to Barnes & Noble, and the winner of the people’s choice award will get a $250 gift card.
Graves said although nibbling on creations will be off limits, the library will supply snacks for voters. Graves said those entering the competition should keep in mind that their work will be at room temperature for a few hours and needs to be able to survive without refrigeration.
Patrick Zinn, an A&M library director and marketing manager, said there could be several local celebrity judges, such as Veritas chef, Tai Lee. Zinn said they are still finalizing the details but hope to have more information ready for release within the next few weeks.
“We are a very serious place but we also like to have fun with students and this is a great way for everybody to let off some steam and to have a little fun,” Zinn said. “We hope a lot of people come out and have fun with us on April 1.”
Analicia Mireles, junior nutritional science major and baking entrepreneur, said she hopes the library uses this opportunity to promote healthy habits.
“I think this would be a fantastic opportunity to connect learning with food and health awareness,” Mireles said.
Mireles said if this competition works out at A&M, she hopes it can also be spread to public schools in Bryan-College Station.
Graves said students can enter on their own or as a group. To enter the competition students and faculty need to bring their creation into Evans Library by noon on April 1. Judging will begin at 2 p.m.