BOSTON, MA - February 23, 2024 - The Boston Public Library (BPL) today announced the launch of its new Chef-in-Residence program, made possible by a generous grant from anonymous donors to the Boston Public Library Fund.
Based in the BPL's Nutrition Lab at the Roxbury Branch, the Chef-in-Residence will aim to increase nutritional literacy and cooking programs for community members of all ages. This new initiative will empower patrons to explore cooking techniques, cultural heritage, nutrition, and Boston history by offering demonstrations, hands-on classes, and resources. As with all BPL programming, these programs are all offered free of charge.
Boston resident Glorya Fernandez, the founder of gogobytes and advocate for conscientious healing with food, began her one-year residency in February and will be conducting community listening sessions on March 2 and April 8 to help inform her curriculum.
"We are thrilled to welcome Glorya to the Nutrition Lab as our inaugural Chef-in-Residence," said Nutritional Literacy Coordinator, Stephanie Chace. "With a passion for culinary instruction and a wealth of experience, she is dedicated to providing engaging programs and community nourishment."
Funding from anonymous donors through the BPL Fund supports the Chef-in-Residence program for three years.
"The Boston Public Library Fund is profoundly grateful for the generosity of our anonymous donors," said Paula Sakey, Executive Director of the Boston Public Library Fund. "Their gift not only champions nutritional literacy but also exemplifies a commitment to community enrichment and a belief in the mission of the Library to respond to patron needs. This support enables the Chef-in-Residence program to flourish, fostering a culture of learning and well-being for our Roxbury community and across the city."
The Chef-in-Residence is one component of the BPL's Nutrition Lab, which serves as the Library's hub for nutritional literacy. It provides learning opportunities for healthy eating and a space to develop life and work skills focused on nutrition and meal creation. The Nutrition Lab is a place to build confidence, meet new friends, and gather as a community. All services offered are free to all.
To learn more about our Nutrition Lab and its upcoming programs, visit: bpl.org/nutrition-lab/
##
ABOUT THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library is a pioneer of public library service in America. It was the first large, free municipal library in the United States; the first public library to lend books; the first to have a branch library; and the first to have a children’s room.
The Boston Public Library of today is a robust system that includes the Central Library in Copley Square, 25 neighborhood branches, the Norman B. Leventhal Map and Education Center, the Kirstein Business Library and Innovation Center, and an archival center, offering public access to world-class special collections of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and prints, along with rich digital content and online services.
The Boston Public Library serves nearly 4 million visitors per year and millions more online. All of its programs and exhibitions are free to all and open to the public. The Boston Public Library is a department of the City of Boston, under the leadership of Mayor Michelle Wu. To learn more, visit bpl.org.
ABOUT THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY FUND
The mission of the Fund is to provide financial support to the Boston Public Library, ensuring that it remains viable, engaging, accessible, and free to all. The Fund fulfills this mission by working in partnership with the Library, donors, and other funders in supporting BPL programs and special initiatives. Support from the Fund supplements, but does not supplant, other BPL resources, including City of Boston funding. For more information, visit bplfund.org.
