Volusia County Public Library to Celebrate 'Lessons In Chemistry'

Posted On: February 5, 2025

The Volusia County Public Library will celebrate women, chemistry, and cooking during the monthlong Volusia Reads Together series, which will focus on "Lessons in Chemistry" throughout March.

This community reading program is dedicated to creating a shared conversation and providing a range of related events and activities for residents of all ages.

"Lessons in Chemistry," written by Bonnie Garmus, tells the story of Elizabeth Zott, a chemist in the late 1950s and early 1960s who’s fired from her research job for the horrific crime of being unwed and pregnant. To make ends meet, she reluctantly accepts a job as a TV cooking show host. But what she doesn’t accept are the brainless cue cards she’s asked to read, nor the tight dresses she’s told to wear.

Instead, Elizabeth decides to teach her mostly female viewers chemistry - because cooking is chemistry. Along the way, she empowers them to say no to society’s limitations, to stand up and be who they really are.

Adult library cardholders can register for a book discussion between Jan. 27 and Feb. 7 to receive a free copy of the book while supplies last. A library card is required for the free book.

A separate drawing will be held for a select number of copies of the book. To enter, visit your local library branch for an entry form; one entry per adult per visit will be accepted from Feb. 1-7. The drawing will be held Feb. 10.  

Volusia County Public Library will host "Lessons In Chemistry" programs at all 14 branch locations from beginning March 1-31. Programs include recipe exchanges, escape challenges, culinary lab demonstrations, and much more. Four step-by-step preparation videos of four three-course meals have been produced and will be released in March as well.

For more information, visit www.volusialibrary.org. Events are listed under the Events Calendar tab in the top menu bar.