PORTLAND — Portland Public Library opens “Artists’ Books: Definition and Meaning” in the Lewis Gallery with a reception during the First Friday Art Walk from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight.

This show features book art and is an exhibition of books created by USM art students and critique group members, a news release said.

“The show will exhibit USM students as well as other members of the book making community,” said Rebecca Goodale coordinator for the Kate Cheney Chappell ’83 Center for Book Arts in a news release. “The artists range from those new to the medium to accomplished artists.”

The exhibit will be in the Lewis Gallery through April 30.

In conjunction with the art opening, the library will host the Edible Book Festival where community members and library patrons are invited to create a piece of edible art referencing a book or poem. Edible art submissions can look like a book or poem, pun on a title of a book or poem, resemble a character or scene or just have something to do with a book or poem. The only major criteria are that all submissions must be edible and based on a book or poem.

The Edible Book Festival will be held during the First Friday Art Walk in the Rines Auditorium. Edible books will be on exhibit from 5 to 7 p.m. where members of the public can vote for their favorite.

Peoples Choice Awards will be presented at 7 p.m. sharp to allow time for the best part … participants and members of the public are invited to dig in and taste each work of art.

For information about registering, call Rachael at 871- 1700, ext. 723.