The Ridgefield Library is the center of the fastest growing city in Washington despite Ridgefield's small size (population 6,400). The branch manager is always thinking of new ways to reach out and bring community members together. The "Cookbook Discussion Group" serves a niche in bringing folks with common interest together to learn and share culinary literacy. Friendships and bonding were developed especially for newcomers. The cookbook collection gets used and good foods are shared.

Participants experience the cuisine of a specific country, geographical area or genre of food. They prepare dishes from a chosen cookbook and bring to the meeting to sample. Each month a different person leads the program and gives a short report on the theme. In December, the group enjoys a celebratory dinner as they complete their culinary journey. The first year a professional chef led the program and offered her educated insight for the group.

This program attracts diverse people from vegetarians to devoted carnivores. Not only foods are shared, participants are exposed to recipes and tastes outside of their comfort zone. All attendees learn from their failures and also share successes. Culinary literacy has increased and our cookbook collection is used. People are also excited to meet other people with the same interests and have commented that this program is building community which is exactly the outcome we desire.