Boston Public Library Names Suman Shah as New Chef-in-Residence

BOSTON— The Boston Public Library has named culinary educator Suman Shah as its new Chef-in-Residence at the Nutrition Lab in the Shaw-Roxbury Branch, where she will lead free cooking programs and promote nutritional literacy for the Greater Boston community.

The residency, funded through a grant from anonymous donors to the Boston Public Library Fund, is designed to expand community cooking programs for patrons of all ages. Through demonstrations, hands-on classes and educational resources, the initiative encourages participants to explore cooking techniques, nutrition, cultural food traditions and Boston history.

This year’s programs will be centered on the theme “How We Gather,” focusing on the role of food and storytelling in bringing people together. In addition to public programs, patrons will be able to schedule virtual one-on-one “Gathering Guidance” sessions with Shah for personalized menu planning and cooking resources. All programs are free and open to the public.

Shah is the founder of Fork on a Road, a spice-focused culinary business centered on seasonal cooking, cultural food traditions and the belief that food is medicine. Over the past eight years, she has taught cooking classes through libraries, farmers markets, community education programs and private classes throughout the Boston area. Her work draws on her immigrant heritage and Ayurvedic principles while emphasizing seasonal ingredients, fresh spices and home cooking.

“Suman brings a wealth of talent and heart to the Chef-in-Residence program,” said Nutritional Literacy Coordinator Stephanie Chace. “As a culinary educator with deep roots in seasonal cooking and cultural food traditions, Suman has a real gift for making cooking feel accessible and exciting. We’re so excited to welcome her to BPL and can’t wait to see the programs she brings to our patrons.”

Community members will have an opportunity to meet Shah during open house events at the Nutrition Lab on July 20 and Aug. 1. The listening sessions will introduce patrons to Shah’s approach to culinary education while inviting suggestions for future workshops and classes.

“We are excited to welcome Suman Shah, our third Chef-in-Residence, an initiative made possible through the generous contributions of our donors to the Boston Public Library Fund,” said Paula Sakey, executive director of the Boston Public Library Fund. “Thanks to private support, the Nutrition Lab is creating and offering engaging, hands-on experiences for our patrons that promote nutritional knowledge, healthy eating habits, and so much more — affirming our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality resources free to all.”

The Chef-in-Residence program is part of the library’s Nutrition Lab, which serves as a center for nutritional literacy by offering programs focused on healthy eating, meal preparation and life skills while providing a space for community learning and engagement.

Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library is the nation’s first large free municipal public library. Today, it operates the Central Library in Copley Square, 25 neighborhood branches and several specialized centers, serving nearly 4 million visitors annually while offering free public programs, collections and digital resources. The Boston Public Library Fund provides philanthropic support for library programs and initiatives, supplementing public funding through partnerships with donors and other supporters.