Quick Summary
Through something as simple as sharing and experiencing a taste, Muir Library is building community one spice at a time through a club blending flavor, culture, and connection.
Muir Library serves the community of Winnebago, a town in Southern Minnesota, and is a member of the Traverse des Sioux (TdS) Library Cooperative. Patrons can request books through their catalog, use their tech lab, or simply enjoy being surrounded by books and welcoming library staff. Beyond providing access to services and resources, this library also keeps a packed calendar with events and clubs for patrons to attend. Ranging from story times to Bingo, Muir Library is committed to promoting a sense of community through providing unique programming, one of the most popular being their Spice Club.
What started as an attempt to bridge the gap between patrons and the library during the pandemic became a staple for patrons. Looking for inspiration from other libraries and online forums, director Nicole Krienke sought ways for patrons to interact with each other during a time when many faced isolation. That’s when she came up with the idea of introducing a Spice Club, where patrons can interact and build connections through cooking while maintaining social distancing.
Their first meeting took place in early 2021, with participants picking up a spice kit and a recipe to try on their own, then meeting via Zoom after a period of time to discuss results, highlights, etc. The first spice to be featured was the Chinese 5-spice, followed by Berbere and Za'atar. Krienke tries to choose diverse spices that most are unfamiliar with or curious about. Crowd favorites so far include Mahlab and Sumac, while Epazote and Annatto might not be getting added to some members’ spice collection anytime soon.
After receiving a positive reception, Muir Library decided to make this a monthly feature starting that fall. The online meeting format continued from January to March, with their first in-person meeting taking place in September of that year. “We had a great response, and patrons wanted us to do it again,” Krienke said. “In the fall of 2021, we met in person monthly from September to May, and have been doing it ever since!” As it enters its fifth year, it's safe to say the Spice Club is a hit.
Beyond experimenting with new spices and expanding palettes, the monthly gatherings are what truly tie the group together. Director Krienke begins each meeting with a quick overview and background of that month’s featured spice, followed by a discussion where members share their cooking experiences and takeaways. Krienke explains the club’s deep social impact, noting, “We have a wide variety of people attend or share their experiences with the spice. We have a few couples who cook together as a date night. We also have some patrons whose partners have passed away, and they were tired of just cooking for themselves and wanted to try new things to spice up their cooking. They have told me they look forward to trying new things to cook and then meeting up for some socialization.” These sessions help members learn from each other and foster a sense of community post-pandemic.
This Spice Club is just one example of Muir Library’s ability to identify the needs of its patrons and address them. Muir Library is committed to serving its community through unique programming, including a Lego Club, various book clubs, Drop-in Crafts, and seasonal celebrations such as their upcoming Frosty Fest. With programming like this, Muir Library proves that they’re not just preserving knowledge, but cultivating connection. To learn more, visit Muir Library’s home page.
