Together with our community partners, the Community Read features a variety of events from book clubs and discussions, to author programs and children's activities, all related to the year’s theme.
There are so many ways to celebrate the Community Read in our region. Below is a complete calendar listing of events at Longwood Gardens and our Community Read partner organizations. Find an event near you and share your thoughts with our community! Be sure to check back regularly for newly added programs.
2023 Community Read Events
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May 1 - 31
Foodways: A Cookbook Challenge
Free
Presented by: New Cumberland Public Library
Location: New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland, PA 17070
For Adults 18+
Do you love to read? Also have an interest in cooking? We have the perfect challenge for you! Register to participate in our Foodways: A Cookbook Challenge where you will earn badges for “reading” our recommended cookbooks about foodways - the eating habits and culinary practices of a people, region, or historical period – and trying recipes. We’ll also have added activities, recommended cooking shows and movies to enjoy, and supplemental information to peruse. Register here: newcumberlandlibrary.beanstack.org
May 1 - 31
Bring Me Some Apples & I'll Make You a Pie at the Brantwood Park Story Trail, during daylight hours
Free
Presented by: Cecil County Public Library
Location: Brantwood Regional Park, Williams Road, Elkton, MD 21921
This spring, read the Longwood Community Read featured title for children: Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie as you walk along the Story Trail at Brantwood Regional Park. More information: https://www.cecilcountylibrary.org/services/kids/storytrails
May 1 - 31
Grow, Cook, Eat, during open hours
Free
Presented by: Exeter Community Library
Location: Exeter Community Library, 4569 Prestwick Drive, Reading, PA 19606
Come out to the Exeter Community Library and check out The Comic Book Guide to Growing Food. Join us as we celebrate how food connects people - especially for special moments - and how food connect to the world of plants and gardening as we swap seed packets and recipes.
May 1 - June 15
Seed Library, during library hours
Free
Presented by: Kutztown Community Library
Location: Kutztown Community Library, 70 Beiber Alley, Kutztown, PA 19530
It is time to start your own garden. Choose from a variety of seeds from flowers to vegetables and watch how our food grows from a seed to a plant and ends up on your dinner table just like Edna in Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie.
Through June 1
"Black Food" Bingo Challenge, during library hours
Free
Presented by: Village Library of Morgantown, PA
Location: Village Library of Morgantown, 207 North Walnut Street, Morgantown, PA 19543
We will be hosting a Black Food Bingo Challenge for ages 18+ Adults can try any 5 challenges that are themes related to the book Black Food whether it be a specific recipe from the book, learning about the foods in the book etc. Bingo sheets will be available on 4/1/23 and the last day to turn in sheets will be 6/1/23.
Through July 31
"Black Food" Bingo Challenge, during library hours
Free
Presented by: Wernersville Public Library
Location: Wernersville Public Library, 100 North Reber Street, Wernersville PA 19565
Black Food Bingo Challenge! Complete any 5 tasks that correspond to various themes related to the book! A great way to try a new recipe, a new food, or visit a local restaurant that serves similar dishes!
May 31
StoryWalk® at Boyertown Park, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Free
Presented by: Boyertown Community Library
Location: Boyertown Community Park, 417 South Madison Street, Boyertown, PA 19512
Our StoryWalk® for May is Longwood Gardens Community Read children's book, Bring Me Some Apples and I’ll Make You a Pie: A Story About Edna Lewis by Robin Gourley. The book will be set up at Boyertown Park each Wednesday in May from 9am-6pm.
May 31
Crazy Scientists: Dandelions, are they weeds? 5:00 pm
Free
Presented by: Easttown Library
Location: Easttown Library, 720 First Ave. Berwyn, PA 19312
Join Ms. Angela for a science lesson about dandelions. Are they a weed or not? Using the Longwood Garden Community Read book, Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie by Robbin Gourley. There will be a discussion about if dandelions are really a weed or not. Then, we will be trying dandelion leaves and tea.
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June 1 - June 15
Seed Library, during library hours
Free
Presented by: Kutztown Community Library
Location: Kutztown Community Library, 70 Beiber Alley, Kutztown, PA 19530
It is time to start your own garden. Choose from a variety of seeds from flowers to vegetables and watch how our food grows from a seed to a plant and ends up on your dinner table just like Edna in Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie.
Through July 31
"Black Food" Bingo Challenge, during library hours
Free
Presented by: Wernersville Public Library
Location: Wernersville Public Library, 100 North Reber Street, Wernersville PA 19565
Black Food Bingo Challenge! Complete any 5 tasks that correspond to various themes related to the book! A great way to try a new recipe, a new food, or visit a local restaurant that serves similar dishes!
June 1
Cook the Book Club, 6:30 pm
Free
Presented by: New Cumberland Public Library
Location: New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland, PA 17070
For Adults 21+
Do you love to cook and explore new recipes? Join us for this cookbook club-meets-potluck event to celebrate Longwood Gardens Community Read's 2023 title Black Food: Stories, Art, and Recipes from Across the African Diaspora by Bryant Terry and have a chance to win tickets to Longwood Gardens. Registrants will be asked to bring a dish representing foodways -- the eating habits and culinary practices of a people, region, or historical period. The Library will provide registrants with a list of recommended cookbooks and recipes to choose from from our Foodways Cookbook Challenge. Space is limited so please register at newcumberlandlibrary.org.
Note: Attendees will be asked to provide the recipe’s ingredient list for posting. Patrons with food allergies or other nutritional concerns should know that the dishes provided are not food allergen or gluten-free. The event is limited to adults over age 21.June 1
PHS McLean Library Book Group, 4:00 pm
Presented by: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society McLean Library
Location: Virtual
Join us in reading and discussing works of fiction or non-fiction having to do with gardening, plants, nature, or the land. Participants need to obtain books and read each month's selection prior to the meeting. This month's selection is: Black Food edited by Bryant Terry (Longwood Gardens Community Read Selection). Contact McLeanLibrary@pennhort.org for more information. Register at https://phsonline.org/events/phs-mclean-library-book-group-june23
June 2
Garden Club 101, 10:00 am
Free
Presented by: Mifflin Community Library
Location: Mifflin Community Library, 6 Philadelphia Ave., Shillington, PA 19607
We will be using the greenhouse at the library to allow children to plant some seeds/plants of a mix of flowers and vegetables. We will have special speakers who will share their knowledge of gardening. Please register: https://www.facebook.com/events/6121093697968375/6121093711301707/
June 3
Plant a Seed and Read! 2:00 pm
Free
Presented by: Cheltenham Township Library System - Glenside Branch
Location: Glenside Library, 215 S. Keswick Ave., Glenside, PA 19038
Join us for a reading of Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie by Robbin Gourley before we dive in to planting our own harvest! We'll be planting a number of foods in our garden including strawberries, carrots, and sunflowers. You will also plant a sunflower in a small pot for you to take home!
June 3
All About Apples! 12:30 pm
Free
Presented by: Coatesville Area Public Library
Location: Coatesville Area Public Library, 501 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, PA 19320
We are pleased to present this fun and interactive program for elementary students titled, "All About Apples!" We will read the book Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie by Robbin Gourley. This is a story about Edna Lewis, a famous chef that worked in restaurants all over the United States. This book focuses on growing fruits and vegetables and the delicious recipes that we can make with these foods. After the story, we will learn about the parts of different plants through an interactive activity. Participants will also make a fun craft by painting apples! Everyone will have a chance to enjoy a yummy treat at the end of the program. Registration is required (https://ccls.libcal.com/event/10612609). We look forward to seeing you!
June 5
Discussion of Bryant Terry's Black Food, 1:00 pm
Free
Presented by: Marple Public Library
Location: Marple Public Library, 2599 Sproul Road, Broomall, PA 19008
Join us for a discussion of Black Food: Stories, Art, and Recipes from Across the African Diaspora edited by Bryant Terry. Participants are encouraged to bring a dish from a recipe in the book or from another recipe characteristic of the culinary practices of a people or region. Please provide a list of ingredients. Participants will be entered for a chance to win a family pass to Longwood Gardens, a copy of Black Food: Stories, Art, and Recipes from Across the African Diaspora edited by Bryant Terry, and a copy of The Comic Book Guide to Growing Food by Joseph Tychonievich and Liz Anna Kozik. Adults only. Advanced registration is required: https://delcolibraries.libcal.com/event/10520260
June 6
Family Storytime - Food Brings Us Together, 10:30 am
Free
Presented by: Malvern Public Library
Location: Nice Weather - Burke Park Gazebo, Corner of Roberts Lane and S. Warren Ave, Malvern, PA. Bad weather - Malvern Library, 1 E. First Ave, Malvern, PA
Join Ms. Megan for a fun and upbeat family storytime in partnership with Longwood Gardens 2023 Community Read! We'll read books, including this year's community read pick, Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie, sing songs, and get moving, all to encourage Early Literacy skills. At this special event we will also do a messy craft at the end - cut vegetable stamp painting! All ages. This event will take place at the Burke Park gazebo or in the sunroom. Please register for updates: https://ccls.libcal.com/event/10616270
June 9
Cookbook Club featuring "Black Food," 6:30 pm
Free
Presented by: Tredyffrin Public Library
Location: Tredyffrin Public Library, 582 Upper Gulph Road, Strafford, PA 19087
Choose a recipe from one of this month's cookbooks on display in the library. June 2023: Black Food and Kosher Soul. Prepare your dish and bring it to share on Friday June 9. Enjoy Food, Fun, new and old Friends. Register for the program: https://ccls.libcal.com/event/10712652June 10
Make Your Own Self-Watering Planter, 10:30 am
Free
Presented by: John Graham Library
Location: John Graham Library, 9 Parsonage St., Newville, PA 17241
Make a self-watering planter, then plant your choice from a selection of seeds. All supplies are provided.
June 13
Community Read Story Time, 10:30 am
Free
Presented by: Upper Perkiomen Valley Library
Location: Upper Perkiomen Valley Library, 350 Main Street, Red Hill, PA 18076
We will read Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie and then lead the children in making individual apple pies in jars. This story time and activity are geared to children ages 3-6.June 13
Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie Go Pack, during library hours
Presented by: Reading Northeast Branch Library
Location: Reading Northeast Branch Library, 1348 N. 11th St., Reading, PA 19604
Pick up a special GoPack on Tuesday, June 13th themed to this year's Longwood Gardens Community Read book for children, Bring Me Some Apples & I'll Make you a Pie: A Story about Edna Lewis by Robbin Gourley. GoPacks include materials needed to make "pecan drops," a recipe inspired by this wonderful book!*12 GoPacks available on a first come- first serve basis* Anyone picking up a GoPack will be entered in araffle to win a copy of this book!
June 17
Nature Study in the Pollinator Garden, 1:30 pm
Free
Presented by: Mifflin Community Library & Nolde Forest
Location: Nolde Forest Education Center
We will be collaborating with Nolde Forest to provide our community with the opportunity to engage in a Nature Study (and potential Nature Journal) program in Nolde Forest's Pollinator Garden. We will be discussing growing food and how pollinators play a part.
June 17
Seeds and Gardens, 12:30 pm- 2:30 pm (Drop by anytime within this time frame)
Free
Presented by: Let's Go Outdoors
Location: Stinger Square Park, 3200 Dickinson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Let's Go Outdoors is a part of Longwood Garden's Community Read - a program designed to encourage reading for pleasure. This year's book explores how food connects people to each other and the world of plants and gardening. Drop by Stinger Square for a free seed planting activity and garden-themed arts and crafts anytime between 12:30-2:30pm (supplies provided)! Each person will get to plant their own veggie seeds to bring home with them. Families that participate can also opt to take home one of the books offered OR a family pass (good for four) to Longwood Gardens (guaranteed with pre-registration or while supplies last). More information: https://www.letsgooutdoors.net/lgo-longwood-community-reads.html
June 20
Food Waste Reduction and Compost Talk, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Free
Presented by: The Downingtown Library with Chester County Solid Waste Authority
Location: Downingtown Library, 122 Wallace Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335
Check out the Longwood Gardens Community Read title, The Comic Book Guide to Growing Food, and come learn about reducing our food waste and at-home composting!
o Why is wasted food a problem?
o How to reduce the amount of wasted food in your home
o Food waste composting for home gardens
More information: https://ccls.libcal.com/event/10707260
June 21
Stock Your Spice Cabinet, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Free
Presented by: Elkins Park Free Library
Location: Elkins Park Free Library, 563 E Church Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027
You can easily grow and preserve, process, and produce many dried herbs, spices, popular seasoning blends, and tisanes in the Philadelphia suburbs. This presentation will tell you how! This program will be presented by Kristi Wenrich, a Penn State Extension Master Gardener, who loves to garden! She grows, eats, and preserves every vegetable, herb, and spice she can acquire seeds for in Montgomery County, PA. Her goal is to transform her tiny piece of suburbia from generic lawn into an edible landscape for humans, insects, and birds. Her favorite crop to grow is new gardeners. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!
June 22
Community Read Story Time, 10:30 am
Free
Presented by: Warminster Library
Location: Warminster Library, 1076 Emma Lane, Warminster, PA 18974
Miss Ann will read Bring Me Some Apples And I'll Make You a Pie by Robbin Gourley on the Warminster Library's front lawn as part of the Longwood Gardens Community Read program. Join us after the story time for a fun nature themed scavenger hunt. We'll also have a few Longwood Gardens tickets to give out! This program is intended for ages 2-6, but all ages are welcome.
June 22
Feed Your Garden with Compost, 2:00 pm
Presented by: Upper Perkiomen Valley Library
Location: Upper Perkiomen Valley Library, 350 Main Street, Red Hill, PA 18076
Free
Grow better vegetables this year by learning to use to use compost. Compost improves the structure and health of your soil by adding organic matter. It helps the soil retain moisture and nutrients and attracts beneficial organisms to the soil reducing the need for pesticides and fertilizers. Penn State Master Watershed Steward Dr. Eve Puhalla will teach us how to get started and maintain a compost pile in your yard. Call the library at 215-679-2020 to register.
June 24
Storytime & Apple Pie! 2:00 pm
Free; Bring an Apple!
Presented by: Awbury Arboretum
Location: Awbury Arboretum's 'AdventureWoods' - 6060 Ardleigh St, Philadelphia, PA 19138
Join us in Awbury Arboretum's AdventureWoods for a storytelling of Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie: A Story About Edna Lewis (by Robbin Gourley), in which the childhood roots of a revered African American chef's appreciation for the bounties of nature are explored through the seasons. Our young readers, ages 4-7 can bring an apple variety of their choice so we can learn about different apple types. We will have storytelling time, a fun activity, and an apple pie party! Children that participate will receive a book and a slice of pie. More information: https://awbury.org/event/community-read/