University of Cincinnati Libraries Press Release
Contact: Melissa Cox Norris, Director of Library Communications, (513) 556-1558 or melissa.norris@uc.edu
Bite into an Edible Book with UC Libraries
International Edible Books Festival: Wednesday, April 1 at 2pm in the 5th floor lobby of Langsam Library
March 25, 2009 – For the 8th consecutive year, the University of Cincinnati Libraries will celebrate the International Edible Books Festival with an event scheduled for Wednesday, April 1 from 2-3pm in the 5th floor lobby of Langsam Library.
At the event, over 20 participants will present edible creations that represent a book in some form. There are few restrictions in creating an edible book - namely that the creation be edible and have something to do with a book. Submitted entries include such edible titles as The Secret Life of Bees, The Oreo of Species, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar among other literary greats.
As in year's past, entries will be judged according to such categories as "Most Literary," "Most Inspired," "Long Overdue," and "Most Checked-out." After the entries are judged they will be consumed and enjoyed by all in attendance.
According to the International Edible Book Festival Web site, the edible book was initiated by librarian and artist 
Judith A. Hoffberg during a 1999 Thanksgiving celebration with book artists. It became an international celebration in 2000 when artist Béatrice Coron launched the Books2Eat Web site. Traditionally, the event is celebrated on April 1 to mark the birthday of Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826), a French lawyer and politician who became famous for his book, Physiologie du gout (The Physiology of Taste).
This year, 17 countries are participating in the International Edible Book Festival, with U.S. participation spanning numerous states including Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.
The Libraries International Edible Books Festival is free and open to the public.
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