When you think of it, libraries are amazing places. Where else could you borrow books, videos, CDs, and DVDs without leaving your credit card number, a small deposit, or the promise of your first born in exchange?

A couple of days ago, I walked into my little local library and found a wonderful book in the used book rack, Everything on a Waffle by Polly Horvath. For 25 cents I got a wonderful story about Polly, a young girl who likes to cook and trusts her gut. For ages 9 to 12, children will learn that even during tragedies (Polly’s parents are temporarily lost at sea) there are always well meaning, even loving people who will step in and take care of them. It’s also a lesson in faith and going with what your instincts say even when everyone around you tells you you’re wrong. The book even has recipes for everything from waffles to asparagus.

This book got me thinking about waffles and librarians. Librarians are god’s gift to harried mothers, swamped students, and overwhelmed researchers. Even today with the Internet and Google, they’re a valuable resource. Why not show them how much you value them by hosting an appreciation breakfast one morning before the library is open?

First check with the head librarian or branch manager to make sure this is o.k. They may not want you to bring in food to the library (though most libraries have meeting rooms these days). Or they may not be allowed to accept gifts from the patrons. If you can’t have it in the library, see if the local rec center, senior center, church or even a school will let you hold the librarian appreciation breakfast there instead.

Once you have the o.k. gather up some volunteers – moms who are always there at story time, seniors who hang out all day, members of the book club (teens and adult), and so on. Assign each person a task – bake muffins, bring coffee, buy plates and napkins, etc. You may even be able to get your local supermarket to donate a gift card to pay for supplies and your local coffee house or donut shop to donate coffee and pastries. Everyone loves librarians and libraries and would jump at the chance to help.

Foodwise, you may want to keep it simple, just coffee and donuts. Or you could be a little more elaborate, like breakfast quiche or even some waffles! Make them that morning and wrap in clean dish towels to keep warm. They could even be heated in the microwave in the librarian’s break room. If you decide to bring the batter and waffle iron to make them there, get permission first, and don’t forget the paper towels!

Here’s a yummy recipe for pumpkin waffles from FamilyFun magazine:

Pumpkin Waffles
Serves 4 (increase recipe as needed)

On a fall weekend morning, you and your kids can make these light waffles–flavored with a touch of pumpkin puree–and enjoy a healthy and leisurely breakfast.

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1/4 cup sugar
3. 1 tablespoon baking powder
4. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
5. 1/2 teaspoon salt
6. 2 eggs
7. 1 1/2 cups milk
8. 4 tablespoons butter, melted
9. 1/2 cup canned pumpkin

Directions:

1. Set up the waffle iron on a counter top or table within easy reach of the cook. Plug in the iron to preheat it. (Remind your child never to touch the surface of the iron; she should touch only the handle and always cook with adult supervision.)
2. In a medium-size mixing bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and pumpkin. Pour the wet ingredients over the flour mixture and stir just until combined.
3. Coat the preheated waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour the waffle batter onto the center of each section of the iron. (You will need 1/4 to 3/4 cup of batter for each waffle.)
4. Cook the waffles for about 4 to 5 minutes or until they are crispy and light.

(Picture courtesy of Danny at delectation.)

If you find that you have a large amount of people who want to volunteer and/or come to the breakfast, you may want to turn it into a fundraiser for the library. Charge everyone a modest fee for food (librarians eat free of course). Advertise in the local paper, print fliers, invite the press, etc. Invite not only your local librarians, but school librarians and librarians from nearby branches. This event has huge potential for fundraising and spreading goodwill in the community – and thankfulness for librarians, books and libraries, too. So take advantage of it!

Technorati tags: giving thanks, librarians, waffles

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