Edible Books & Tea, 2026 edition

The Library is thrilled to invite you to participate in Edible Books & Tea, 2026 edition. 

   It can look like a book... 

   It can act like a book... 

   It can be a pun on a book... 

   The only rule: it must be edible! 

Artists with a culinary streak, chefs with artistic flair, and book lovers are invited to participate by whipping up an edible book for this event which takes place on April 1st simult aneously at venues around the world. 

To participate, create a book-like sculpture from edible materials and bring it to the Columbia College Chicago Library where it will be consumed by book-loving gourmets on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.   

No need to have Great British Baking Show skills. We love clever puns and honest effort just as much as stunning kitchen skills. This event is a playful pretext to celebrate books, all the lived experiences they contain, and their power to connect us through stories and knowledge.   
 

Registration Form: https://colum.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_00L4HSpw1XbGxvM
All Columbia College Chicago community members are welcome to register. 

Rules and Guidelines for Creating an Edible Book  

• Edible Books must be composed primarily of edible materials (toothpicks and other structural elements are allowed).   Individuals or groups may register to create a sculpture.
• Ensure the Edible Book is brought in fully or close to fully assembled, as there will be little time for assembly on location.
• Entries should not require refrigeration (for example, ice and ice cream).
• We encourage you to bring a copy of the book that inspired your creation so we can display it side-by-side.   

Registration is open through March 30. Please be prepared to send us a finalized list of ingredients used in your sculpture.  

Event Details  

• When? Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 4-6 pm   

• Where? Columbia College Chicago Library, 624 S. Michigan Ave., 3rd Floor, East   

• Entries must be dropped off and set up in the Library on April 1 between 2-4 pm    

Prize Categories:  

• Best Visual Pun
• ​​​​​​​Most Book-Like
• Best Presentation
• Most Likely to be Devoured
• Best in Show  

Need some inspiration? Check out past examples and pictures from this event:  Edible Books Examples  

Note: By entering the competition, you are granting Columbia permission to photograph your entry.