Paprika comes from dried and ground peppers (Capsicum annuum), native to Mexico and Central America. It was introduced to Europe in the 16th century via Spanish and Portuguese invaders. Spain and Hungary became major paprika producers. Hungarian paprika, especially from Szeged and Kalocsa, is world-renowned for its depth of flavor. The word “paprika” comes from the Hungarian language, derived from […]
Aspiring writers, mark your calendars, our popular Summer Writing Workshop series is back for its third year! Presented in partnership with the Algonquin Area Writers Group, this annual event is a chance to connect with publishing professionals, learn from seasoned authors, and sharpen your writing skills alongside a supportive community. Whether you’re working on your first novel, dreaming of publishing […]
Ginger, a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia, is widely known for its spicy, slightly sweet flavor and warming properties. Scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, it has been used for thousands of years in culinary and medicinal traditions around the world. It belongs to the same family as turmeric and cardamom, and is a staple in Asian, Indian, and Middle […]
Join Adult Services staff, Thursday, May 29, at 7:00 p.m. to hear about the best new books for summer! We’ll have light refreshments and giveaways for a fun evening at the library. Looking for a great read for your upcoming vacation, or maybe just a page turner to settle in for a lazy weekend? Not a problem! We have all […]
Caraway seeds are the dried fruits of the Carum carvi plant, which belongs to the parsley family. Native to western Asia, Europe, and North Africa, these crescent-shaped brown seeds are commonly used as a spice. They have a warm, slightly sweet flavor with hints of anise, fennel, and citrus, offering a pungent, earthy taste with a touch of peppery licorice. […]
To our amazing Algonquin community of gardeners, thank you for making our 2025 Seed Library season a sprouting success! It seems that you liked the new style put together by our team this season, and we hope your garden is thriving and full of life. From the moment the first packets went out to the final few picked up, your […]
AAPLD welcomes local artist Laura Ortoleva, whose work will be displayed on the Art Wall at the Main Library during May. A resident of Algonquin Township, Laura is an award winning political cartoonist, editorial illustrator and fine artist, whose work has been exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago, and at the Krannert Art Museum in Champaign. Laura’s art is […]
May’s Library Reads selections are here, full of great suggestions for your summer to-be-read list! For AAPLD cardholders who’ve signed up for the 2025 Reading Marathon 26 book challenge, we’ve highlighted books that fit our Reading Marathon categories. Chosen by librarians across the country as their favorite new releases for the month of May, these books will keep you reading long […]
Cardamom is an aromatic spice from the ginger family with a warm, sweet, and citrusy flavor. It is widely used in cooking, baking, beverages, and traditional medicine. It is native to India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, but also cultivated in Guatemala, Nepal, and Tanzania, with Guatemala as the top producer. Culinary Uses: enhances chai, coffee, spiced hot chocolate, and cocktails; […]
In April, AAPLD is delighted to display entries in The Land Conservancy of McHenry County’s Amateur Photo Contest. Each year amateur photographers are invited to participate in this annual contest highlighting the inspiring nature of The Land Conservancy’s preservation work. The goal is to share the beautiful and immense natural diversity found throughout McHenry County. The photos were taken at […]
