Kate Laskey
JoCo Library Director
Libraries and food trucks might seem like an unlikely pairing, but this summer in Josephine County, they’ve proven to be a perfect match for community outreach and local engagement. Through a program called “Food for Thought, Fresh from the Library,” nine food trucks across Josephine County are offering a 10 percent discount to anyone who shows their library card — all in support of the library’s annual Summer Reading Program.
The idea came from Patrick Hoadley, owner and operator of Blaze-N-Monkeys, a local food truck known for its creative take on classic American comfort food — smash burgers, root-beer-glazed burnt ends, and their signature tots. But it’s not just about the food. “Community outreach drives our business,” Patrick told me.
Patrick and his wife, Misti, launched Blaze-N-Monkeys during the pandemic, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Both are Grants Pass natives and graduates of Grants Pass High School. Patrick spent 30 years with Thomason Hospitality — the former local company behind Taprock, Elmer’s, and other southern Oregon franchises. He worked his way up from dishwasher to vice president before taking the leap into entrepreneurship. Misti, too, brought years of restaurant experience, including 16 years at Taprock.
The name “Blaze-N-Monkeys” is a tribute to their late pit bull, Blaze — a “gentle giant,” according to the Hoadleys, and a constant companion to their daughter as she grew up. Blaze passed away last fall, but his spirit lives on in the truck’s name. Misti even has a tattoo of Blaze on her arm — a permanent reminder of the dog who meant so much to their family.
After participating in a similar food truck program with the Jackson County Library, Patrick reached out to the Josephine Community Library Foundation to bring the idea home — and expand it. He recruited eight other food trucks to join the effort: 541 Fusion, Chunna’s Food Stop, Grip-N-Grub, Mad Dawgs, My Island Kitchen, Scoop-N-Sips, Soulwise Coffee, and The Food Lab. Nearly all local food trucks post their locations and weekly schedules on social media.
“We did a shorter version of this with the Jackson County Library,” Patrick said. “And it just lined up here. We thought, ‘Why not do this in our own community — and do it better?’”
To make the promotion even more fun for families, the library designed a limited-edition “I ♥ My Library” sticker featuring a cheerful food truck with a serving window and smiling faces — available to customers who show their library card at participating food trucks, while supplies last.
“The sticker is the spark,” Misti said. “We see it — a kid lights up, and suddenly their whole group wants one. That’s when you can talk about what it means, how to get a card, or what the Summer Reading Program is.”
This year’s Summer Reading Program, whose theme is “Level Up at Your Library,” is all about encouraging readers to reach new goals. The food truck partnership is a perfect example of leveling up. It highlights just one more benefit of having a library card — a fun incentive to get outside, support local businesses, and commit to reading.
Patrick and Misti didn’t start the food truck–library partnership for publicity alone. They started it because they believe in what the library stands for — and they saw an opportunity to help bring it to the forefront of our community’s attention, especially for kids.
“The most important part is starting the conversation about the library,” said Patrick. “Kids drive where you go to eat — if the sticker gets the library on their mind, it’s worth it.”
The food truck partnership has helped spread the word, but what made it meaningful was the Hoadleys’ commitment to giving back. “We were those kids once — now we’re feeding the next generation,” Patrick said. “This community raised us, and we’re grateful to give back to it.”
The eight-week Summer Reading Program set a goal of enrolling 1,000 participants and logging 300,000 minutes read. As of week six, the program has already surpassed the reading goal with 397,931 minutes logged and 863 participants — and it’s not done yet.
There are still two weeks left in the Summer Reading Program. It’s not too late to sign up, start reading, or get a library card — which also gets you a discount at participating food trucks through the end of August. Visit josephinelibrary.org or call 541-476-0571 during open hours to learn more.
Whether it’s through a good book or a great meal, this partnership reminds us that libraries nourish more than minds — they bring people together. There’s still time to join the program, pick up a sticker, and see where your library card can take you — from the food truck window to your next favorite story.
Between the Pages is a monthly column written by Kate Lasky, library director for Josephine Community Library since 2009. To send comments or questions, email klasky@josephinelibrary.org.