News & Events

On Monday, April 11th, the crowds that gathered in the Wells Library lobby were delighted (if not a bit perplexed) by what they found. Strange sculpted food was displayed with curious titles. What could they be?, these fascinated library-goers thought. One display was a masterfully formed solar system of battling planets while another was simply a bottle of water with a sign that read “For Elephants Only.” Some of the food looked particularly delicious, while some was not-so-appetizing. Some displays were incredibly intricate and detailed, while others were more minimalistic and sparse. Upon further inspection, it dawned on the onlookers that these curious creations were puns on famous book titles! Contestants formed a pun from their favorite book title and illustrated it with cake, bread, pie, or some other type of food. The library-goers had stumbled upon the 3^rd Annual Edible Books Contest, where library patrons vote on their favorite play-on-words food displays. The tongue-in-cheek Edible Books Contest was held in honor of National Library Week, which celebrates libraries and the incredible work of librarians.

While the rainy weather forced people inside the library, the wonderful play-on-words creations kept students, staff, and faculty intrigued. Friends of the library subtly moved from display to display, wrote down their favorites, and cast their vote. From 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the votes were collected and then the winners were found. The Edible Books Contest winners received a prize ribbon and a certificate signifying their prowess as modern day wordsmiths. 

Thank you to all the participants and congratulations to the winners!!

•    Tart of War by Lori Duggan (Winner: Best Play-On-Words)

A sword-shaped tart inspired by The Art of War by Sun Tzu

•    Water for Elephants by Mitch Malone

A water bottle specifically designated for elephants inspired by Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

•    Mt. Rainer, Wash. by Lou Malcomb

A chocolate relief map of Mt. Rainer inspired by an actual topographical map of Mt. Rainer

•    Fear and Loaving in Las Vegas by Nick Husbye

A large loaf of baked artisan bread inspired by Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson.

•    The King’s Peach (Pie) by Amy Cope (Winner: Most Delicious-Looking)

A peach pie with streusel inspired by the film The King’s Speech.

•    Planning Ahead by Rachel Wheeler

A sheet cake with a poorly planned message on top.

•    The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Jenny Kelly

A hodgepodge of leftovers from the very hungry caterpillar inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

•    Black and White by Julia Pophal

A cup with black and white jelly beans inspired by Black and White by David Macaulay

•     War of the Worlds by Athena Walsh (Winner: Best-In-Show, Most Artistic)

A Rice Krispies solar system does battle for galactic domination, inspired by The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

Check out photos of the event below: