When John Sheridan accepted the Golden Ladle from judges Rene and Laura Dubois, of the White Owl Bistro Friday afternoon, he became part of what is now an integral part of Powassan's social community...its public library.
The occasion was an event called the Souper Bowl, and was just one of a number of events that attract the area's population to gather and socialize at the Powassan and District Union Public Library.
A number of area restaurant's participated by donating soup and participating in the contest.
Sheridan's secret ingredient, in what he calls "Trinity Pizza soup" was the cheese that he made the weekend before at a cheese-making workshop at the library.
Library Program Coordinator Kathie Hogan calls the library's role in the community "interestingly diverse" and much more than just borrowing books.
"Libraries are being forced to evolve because they are accountable to their tax base, so now we're in a situation where our library is really at the forefront of the area libraries in programming and excitement level because we're having all sorts of exciting, dynamic presentations, and that in turn brings exciting, dynamic people into the library who give me ideas for more exciting, dynamic programming."
Hogan says the key is serving the needs of the community.
"We're also this central place in Powassan in the dead of the winter or summer where people come and actually talk. They talk to total strangers, talk to their neighbours. They are not on their cellphone or tweeting or Facebooking and it's great."
On Friday Laura and Rene Dubois, owners and head chefs at White Owl Bistro in North Bay, were there to judge "The Souper Bowl."
Four local restaurants entered soup for the occasion- Echoes, Kudos, Hawk and Fox, and the Himsworth Cafe. Three individuals patrons entered the competition as well- Tracy Harrington, Holly Rich, and John Sheridan.
John Sheridan's soup is one he makes all the time for his Trinity United church gatherings.
Many people were there for the judging then stayed for the soup lunch afterwards.
All leftover soup was donated to the Powassan Food Bank and proceeds from the competition will go toward the library's expansion.
The Powassan and District Union Public Library holds monthly soup luncheons, with a light meal and a guest speaker. 
