Create, Taste Delicious Reads at Harper's Edible Books Contest

Sharing your favorite book can be a piece of cake – or a whole one.

The Harper College Library is challenging the public to turn good reads into delectable treats in an Edible Books Contest marking National Library Week.

The literary-and-culinary-inspired event, at noon on Thursday, April 18 in the Harper Library, invites local residents to cook up concoctions channeling some of literature's great masterpieces and unforgettable characters.

Previous entries have included a caterpillar crafted from three dozen cupcakes (an ode to the children's book “The Very Hungry Caterpillar), a stack of cakes made to look like the “Twilight” series, a sushi-covered tribute to Hemingway's “The Old Man and the Sea” and a pound cake topped with Rice Krispies molded into a battle droid to represent “Starship Troopers.”

A slate of judges will slice up the entries for attendees to eat after awarding the prizes.

“We want people to think about more than books when they think of the library. Although we're here to help people with their research needs, we also encourage community and creativity,” says Christine Kuffel, a Harper librarian.

Judges will award prizes in several categories, including Best Representation of “The Help,” Kathryn Stockett's bestselling novel and the College's choices for its 2012-2013 One Book, One Harper program; Best Interpretation of Book, Cover or Title; and Favorite Character.

The contest is free to enter and attend.

Entry forms are available at the Harper Library, Building F on the College's main campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road in Palatine.

For more information, contact Kuffel at 847.925.6859 or email ckuffel@harpercollege.edu.