1-30-2026

The library has never smelled better than it did on January 13^th, the day the spices arrived for one of our February programs.

Kate Davis, Programming Consultant for PLLS, has organized a Spice Club program for interested libraries. For the record, ETLPL was interested. She selected six spices, found recipes for each and worked with Tovah Anderson, PLLS Communications & Marketing Coordinator, to create individual fliers with background information with the recipe. Libraries were provided with the spices and full discretion on distribution.

At ETLPL, we will make one spice and handout available every even month in 2026. February being the 2^nd month of the year will kick off the program with Lavender. The corresponding recipe is for Lavender Scones. No sourdough involved, but I am still looking forward to giving them a try. In honor of this spice, the library now has a cookbook called The Art of Cooking with Lavender, which will be on display with the giveaway materials. It’s amazingly versatile. One of the best chocolate bars I’ve been given contained lavender. Just this past Christmas Lisa made a beverage made with Lavender for her family. I’m working on including that recipe as well.

Packets of Lavender will be available beginning Monday, February 2^nd until our allotted amount is gone. Other spices will be available in April, June, August, October, and December.

February 2^nd is also the deadline for signing up for our February 11^th Paint & Sip event. While the name of the program is family, the format is a bit different than many similar events. To begin with the paint half is basically a color by number canvas to make it as low stress as possible. The library will provide warm beverages and light snacks (perhaps lavender scones). Participants are welcome to bring their own beverages if hot chocolate or cider don’t appeal.

A link to register can be found in several places including the home pages rotating display and the events calendar. A link will also be posted on our Facebook page.

Libby users may be interested in WPLC’s first Wisconsin Reads. All library card holders may checkout this book, which is also available in audio format, through Libby until March 14^th as part of a statewide digital book club. Still True takes place in Wisconsin and tells the story of Lib Hanson whose life is shaken when the son she abandoned as an infant turns up on her porch. A virtual author interview/Q&A will take place at 7:00pm on Wednesday, March 4^th.

Reading Now: Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

Listening to Now: All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood