Livingston residents can learn to grow their own kitchen herbs Friday afternoon when professional chef Jenn Ponder leads a free, hands-on workshop at the Livingston Public Library.
The "Let's Grow: How to Plant an Herb Garden" program runs from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, in the Program Room at 10 Robert Harp Dr. Ponder, owner of Morristown-based B.L.L. Culinary Gardens, will combine container herb gardening with simple culinary demonstrations, according to the library's events calendar. Attendees will learn which herbs thrive together, which should be planted separately and how to use fresh herbs at home.
Ponder has been gardening for more than 12 years and runs a certified Minority and Women Business Enterprise that serves Essex County and other North and Central New Jersey communities. The program is open to adults and seniors and appears to be drop-in, with no registration listed. The library notes it is not responsible for food allergies and recommends attendees with concerns bring their own snack.
The workshop fits into a broader food-and-nature education thread at the library. Ragini Lall, head of adult services and acquisitions, said July 23 when describing the library's "Spice It Up!" turmeric kit program that the library's culinary offerings aim to connect residents with the cultural history behind what they grow and cook.
Volunteers needed for senior letter-writing
The following week, the library's Livi Cares Adult Volunteer Club hosts "Letters Against Isolation" on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Common Area. Volunteers of all ages write friendly, handwritten letters to seniors in care facilities and senior programs through a partnership with the national nonprofit Letters Against Isolation. Craft supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Livi Cares program has been running since approximately 2019, according to the library's website, making it one of the library's longest-standing volunteer efforts.
Board meeting and more this week
The Library Board of Trustees meets Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the Program Room. The meeting is open to the public.
Other upcoming programs include a Thursday Matinee screening of Emerald Fennell's "Wuthering Heights" on Aug. 20 at 2 p.m. and Afternoon Bingo on Friday, Aug. 21, at 11 a.m. Both are free and open to all ages. Drop-in tabletop and card gaming is also available on select Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Sept. 1.
Note: The library was closed Thursday, Aug. 13, for its annual Staff Day and reopens Friday, Aug. 14, at 10 a.m.
Upcoming at Livingston Public Library
- Friday, Aug. 14: Let's Grow: How to Plant an Herb Garden, 3:30–5 p.m., Program Room
- Tuesday, Aug. 18: Library Board of Trustees meeting, 7:30 p.m., Program Room
- Thursday, Aug. 20: Livi Cares: Letters Against Isolation, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Common Area
- Thursday, Aug. 20: Thursday Matinee: "Wuthering Heights," 2 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 21: Afternoon Bingo, 11 a.m.
