UPPER LAKE, Calif. – June 7 is National Doughnut Day and doughnut lovers can vote for their favorite doughnuts to celebrate the humble pastry at a doughnut tasting from noon to 5 p.m. hosted by the Upper Lake branch of the Lake County Library.

The library is located at 310 Second St.

Suzie Q’s, Safeway and Dunkin’ Donuts are among the local bakeries supplying doughnuts for the Doughnut Day celebration.

Gina Rankin, branch library coordinator at Upper Lake, says the library will be serving at least six flavors of doughnuts and that doughnut lovers of all ages are welcome to sample and vote.

During World War I, volunteers who wanted to support troops were charged with preparing food to deliver to soldiers on the front lines in France.

The Salvation Army dispatched more than 250 women there, who found that battle-tested helmets were perfect for frying up to seven doughnuts at a time.

In 1938, the Salvation Army decided to honor these proclaimed “doughnut lassies” by recognizing an annual pastry holiday that could also raise awareness (and money) for their charitable efforts. National Doughnut Day was born.

The Lake County Library is on the Internet at http://library.lakecountyca.gov and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/LakeCountyLibrary .

Jan Cook is a library technician for the Lake County Library.