What does it mean to taste a book? What would a book even taste like? Well students in the library are figuring out just that during this year’s Book Tasting!
On Friday, Sept. 19, students gathered in the library after school to participate in the first ever PLHS Book Tasting. The event consists of gathering around with friends to talk and check out the library’s new additions over a snack.
The idea for the Book Tasting was not one that came overnight.
“I was in a grade school library and the librarian there was doing a book tasting with younger students,” Librarian Carmen Anderson said. “And I thought, this could absolutely work with high school students too.”
Before going schoolwide, Ms. Anderson wanted to make sure that the Book Tasting would be well received.
“I tried it a few years ago with some classes,” Ms. Anderson said. “And I thought, why not just make it something that is open to all students in our building?”
The Book Tasting was designed to be more than just a chance to check out books but a place to build community.
“The goal of the Book Tasting is to bring people together,”. Anderson said. “I want them to have a sense of belonging. I want them to feel like this is an opportunity to hang out, get to know new people, visit and check out some new books.”
With the goal of creating connections and community, the Book Tasting exceeded expectations, with every table filled with students browsing books, chatting with friends and soaking in the relaxing environment.
“I think it went really well,” junior Jenna Scasny said. “A lot of people showed up and seemed to really enjoy the process and got a lot of books.”
The Book Tasting not only encouraged students to connect with one another, but also to check out and find books they would love.
“While I only checked out one book,” sophomore Clark Hosler said. “I looked at everyone around me and they had checked out around seven to eight books each.”
Despite the social aspect, the event maintained a calm, laid-back atmosphere, something many students appreciated.
“I felt that the Book Tasting was a very chill event overall,” junior Esther Woolf said. “It was more of a quieter event than some of the other school activities.”
Even students who tend to not gravitate towards books found themselves having a great time regardless.
“I’m not the most inclined to check out a book,” Hosler said. “But even if you aren’t interested in checking out a book, it’s a great time to just spend with friends to talk and see what books they’re interested in.”
With amazing feedback from students, and a strong first impression, the Book Tasting is already on its way to becoming a tradition in the library.
“We are going to do the next one in November,” Anderson said. “And then I think we will have one in January as well.”
Along with holding the Book Tasting multiple times throughout the year, Anderson also plans on varying the time and day the Book Tasting will take place, providing everyone a chance to join in on the fun, even when their schedules are busy.
“We plan to hold it at different times as well, because a Friday afternoon may not work with everyone’s schedules,” Anderson said. “So, we could do one in the morning before school, or during lunch or even after school on different days.”
Anderson is also planning some tweaks to help the event grow, including rotation-based seating to encourage more mingling, and even a menu of book-related questions to spark conversation.
With its cozy vibe, high turnout, and student enthusiasm, the first PLHS Book Tasting looks to be the start of a fun new tradition: one that blends books, community, and connection in a way students are already hungry for.
