BUCKHANNON — In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the Upshur County Public Library is welcoming local residents to share their beloved culinary creations for a one-of-a-kind community cookbook.
The initiative, spearheaded by UCPL Assistant Director Tanner Lutz, seeks to unite the Upshur County community by celebrating the diverse flavors and food customs that define the area’s rich cultural tapestry.
“The library was inspired by a desire to bring the community together and celebrate the unique flavors and traditions of our members,” said Lutz, emphasizing the significance of food in fostering connections among people. “Food has a special way of connecting people, and Thanksgiving felt like the perfect opportunity to share recipes as a community.”
The library is encouraging patrons to submit their cherished recipes either by visiting the library to fill out a dedicated submission form or by directly emailing Lutz at Tanner.Lutz@upshur.wvlibrary.info. Each recipe entry should also include the contributor’s name along with the recipe title, ensuring that all culinary artists receive due recognition for their contributions.
“We want everyone to be able to contribute and feel involved, and this feels like a great way to capture those personal touches and reflect what makes the community special,” Lutz explained. “One of the best parts of this project is discovering dishes that might be new to us but are beloved by others in our community.”
Once all contributions are compiled, the community cookbook will be distributed to each participant via email. Additionally, it will be accessible for download on the library’s Facebook page, providing an effortless way for community members to explore and enjoy each other’s treasured dishes.
“I’m excited to see what recipes our patrons will submit, and I’m sure everyone will have new favorites to try,” Lutz expressed eagerly, looking forward to the delightful surprises that await.
Visit the library’s website for a calendar of events and information about other upcoming programming tailored for the community.
What motivated the Upshur County Public Library to start a community cookbook initiative?
**Interview with Tanner Lutz, Assistant Director of Upshur County Public Library**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Tanner. Can you tell us more about the community cookbook initiative and what inspired it?
**Tanner Lutz:** Thank you for having me! The initiative was inspired by our desire to bring the Upshur County community together during the Thanksgiving season. We wanted to celebrate the diverse flavors and culinary traditions that make our area unique. Food has a way of uniting people, and we felt a community cookbook would be a perfect way to showcase that.
**Editor:** That sounds wonderful! How can local residents participate in this project?
**Tanner Lutz:** Participation is open to everyone in the community. We encourage residents to submit their favorite recipes—whether it’s a cherished family dish or a local specialty. They can submit their recipes through our website or in person at the library. We want to include as many voices and flavors as possible.
**Editor:** What do you hope this cookbook will achieve for the community?
**Tanner Lutz:** Our hope is that the cookbook will not only highlight the culinary diversity of Upshur County but also foster connections among community members. We want it to be a way for families to share their heritage, learn from one another, and perhaps even try new recipes together. It’s about building a sense of community pride and togetherness.
**Editor:** That’s a noble goal. When do you expect to have the cookbook completed?
**Tanner Lutz:** We aim to have the cookbook ready in time for the holiday season, so we’re encouraging submissions to come in as soon as possible. Once we gather all the recipes, we’ll work on compiling them, adding some community stories, and hopefully creating a nice keepsake for everyone.
**Editor:** It sounds like a fantastic project. Is there anything else you would like to share with our listeners about the initiative?
**Tanner Lutz:** Yes, I’d encourage everyone to participate, even if it’s just sharing a simple recipe. This is an opportunity to celebrate our local culture and food traditions, and we want everyone to feel included. Plus, who doesn’t love trying new dishes during the holidays? We’re excited to see what our community contributes!
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your time, Tanner. It sounds like an exciting project that will truly bring the community together.
**Tanner Lutz:** Thank you! We’re looking forward to it!