In order to raise money for youth services programming, the Bluffton Public Library is now recruiting cooks for its 2012 "Cook for Books" Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, Feb. 25. Amateur cooks must register by Tuesday, Jan. 17. Each participating cook will be asked to prepare and donate 7 to 8 quarts of hot chili for the event. "The chili may be traditional or inventive," said youth services coordinator Rikki Unterbrink. "We just need it to be edible!"

Each participating chili will be judged during the event by several chili enthusiasts. Prizes will be awarded for the Best Overall Chili and for the People's Choice. Tickets will also be sold to patrons who would like to sample each chili and vote for the People's Choice award.

Interested cooks may leave their name and contact information by visiting the library, sending an email to [email protected] or by calling 419-358-5016. Each cook will receive event guidelines and requirements after all cooks have registered.