Three Rivers Library Program Offers Chance to Travel to Alaska, Dine in China

As part of the Illinois Reading Enrichment and Development program, Three Rivers Public Library District will be playing host to a two-session series “Tuesday Travel Tales” at its Minooka branch, 109 N. Wabena Ave.

Communications coordinator Jennifer Lyons said the series will allow “armchair travelers” to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of different destinations—all in the comfort’s of the library’s meeting room.

She said the series opens with husband and wife team Ron Vargason and Barbara Sugden presenting a virtual tour through America’s 49th state, “Alaskan Road Trip.” The program begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18.

Lyons said Vargason and Sugden bought a small RV and traveled through Alaska after they retired. The two will talk about their four-month exploration and share “Tales” with folks at the library.

“Traveling by RV gives you time to travel at your own pace, to stay longer if something catches your eye, or to move on if something exciting is just up the road,” said Sugden in a news release to announce the “Have Book—Will Travel” program.

Then, on Tuesday, June 25, Asian cooking instructor and cookbook author Ying will present a program titled, “A Taste of China.” The program begins at 6 p.m.

Lyons said Ying has been teaching Asian cooking for the last decade at community colleges as well as several other cooking schools and in library programs. She has been featured on TV. Lyons said Ying will demonstrate some genuine Chinese recipes from her book, “Ying’s Chinese Cookbook: Authentic but Simple.”

Library officials request that patrons register for the Tuesday Travel Tales.

Lyons said anyone interested can contact the library directly by calling the Channahon branch (815-467-6200) or the Minooka branch (815-467-6100). Or they can stop in and register in person at either location.