ROCKPORT — The Rockport Public Library announces a new series of educational programs for foodies. The library will partner with local businesses and food experts to present talks on cured meats, olive oils, pickles, cheese, and more.

The series kicks off on Saturday, March 2, at 2 p.m., with a presentation by Bleeker & Greer entitled, “Charcuterie: An Introduction to Salting, Smoking, and Curing Meat.” (And, yes . . . there will be samples, said RPL, in a news release.)

Staff from Bleeker & Greer will provide a brief history of preserving meat. They will discuss why they use pork, which breeds they use, and how to source quality pork in Maine. The talk will cover pig anatomy and the muscle groups required to make specific charcuterie products. Principles of preservation will also be covered for dry curing, wet bringing, smoking, fermentation, and air-drying.

Bleecker & Greer began as a full service butcher shop selling Maine-raised meats and poultry in 2012. Since then they have grown to include a bakery, café, grocery, deli, and purveyor of wine and beer. In 2019 they opened in a new location at the Hoboken Schoolhouse — a beautifully restored 19th century one-room schoolhouse in Rockport.

The program will be held in the library’s lower level, and space is limited to 40 participants. Registration is required. Please call the library at 207-236-3642 to sign-up.