Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is continuing to serve the Clayton community with hands-on programs even while the library building is closed for renovations. As staff pack up books and prepare to move into a new temporary space, they are still finding creative ways to keep people learning and engaged from storytimes and STEAM activities to knitting groups and cooking demonstrations. 

On Thursday, May 15, the library hosted its second healthy cooking event, Med Instead of Meds: A Healthy Cooking Demonstration, at The Clayton Center (111 East Second Street). The event was led by Sydney Knowles with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension in recognition of Mediterranean Diet Month. 

Attendees watched a live demonstration on how to prepare Mango, Black Bean, and Quinoa Salad - a colorful, refreshing dish full of flavor. Knowles also shared valuable knife skills and tips for making healthy choices in the kitchen. More than just a cooking demonstration, the program encouraged small lifestyle changes that lead to better health. 

“While this program focuses on cooking techniques, it also intends to empower people, so they feel confident in the kitchen and make healthy habits part of everyday life,” said Knowles during the event. 

She encouraged attendees to take seven simple steps when cooking the Mediterranean way: change your protein, swap your fats, eat more vegetables, eat more fruit, snack on nuts and seeds, make your grains whole, and rethink your sweets. 

Library staff said the program is one example of how the library is listening to community interests and creating programs that matter. 

“We want to give people the chance to learn something new,” said Library Associate Mardia Jacobs. “Learn new culinary techniques. Learn about local produce from around the area. Learn how to use that local produce and make something that is good for our bodies.” 

Jacobs and other staff said cooking programs are becoming more popular, and this is the second one the library has hosted in the last year. In both cases, the programs were a hit, drawing adults who wanted to build new skills and meet others with similar interests. 

Library Manager Melissa Poole emphasized the goal is to keep making learning opportunities available even during the transition.  

“It is important for us to continue offering programs like this one,” said Poole. “People truly value having access to this kind of information, and we are passionate about building community partnerships that help us share knowledge and bring people closer together.” 

The library is set to reopen in July at the former Lipscomb’s Learning Center (446 East Second Street). Until then, staff will continue hosting programs at The Clayton Center and Town Hall. To learn more about upcoming library events, visit claytonlibrarync.org.