This week, Ira spoke with Chef Alicia Shevetone (founder), and Librarian Dr. Nichole Beer (curator), who launch America's first cookbook lending library in Las Vegas August 2. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” the dynamic duo talk about their new project, which will be based inside Palate Las Vegas, in downtown Las Vegas; how the books are curated (collection will be separated by geography); how they developed a circulation system; why they want to take this idea on the road; defining patron usage; how the lending library was certified by the American Library Association; why libraries and library collections are living organisms, which need to be tended to (weeding and planting to keep them alive); how this is a free resource for the community with a leap of faith; and why even though this is for the Las Vegas community, they want visitors to take back the idea to their hometowns.
Chef Alicia Shevetone is a pop-up chef, cookbook author, television personality, and creator of Dink Cuisine, a food and entertainment organization that curates culinary experiences across print, digital, social, and live media. Renowned across Las Vegas for her popular “Appy Hour” events, Chef Alicia’s cooking show, “Sin City Kitchen,” streams on Roku, Amazon FireTV, and Apple TV and is available in more than 60 countries. Chef Alicia presents viewers with unique, savory, and simple recipes.
Nichole Beer has been a librarian for more than 25 years. She enjoys traveling, eating, cooking, sporting events, and cookbooks. Three years ago, she started a pop-up cookbook business called “Lentils in the Pot.” While Nichole was visiting Vietnam on a culinary trip, she received a text from her friend, Chef Alicia Shevetone, and Nice Nice Bite A Cookbook Lending Library was born.
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