Dorri Partain 
Managing Editor 

Staff at the North-East Branch Library (6000 Wilson Rd.) is collecting favorite recipes — passed along by friends and family, jotted on scraps of paper, stained with spills — for a new generation of cooks.

Stirred by the discovery of a previous cookbook — produced by library staff some years ago for fellow staff members — this new project seeks to showcase the many cultures of  Northeast residents by asking them to share their favorite recipes.

Librarian Dev Persaud said, “150 recipes is our goal, it’s a little nod to our 150-year anniversary. The deadline is September 30, this gives us time to comb through and pick the submissions that resonate with us.” 

The incentive — in addition to having a recipe included within the cookbook — includes a  free copy of this book once it’s published. Additional copies will be available for sale, with the proceeds possibly going toward supporting community programs.

The North-East library’s collection contains books in multiple languages; ideally this Northeast cookbook could offer recipes from around the world in all languages.

“Everyone working on this project dreams about this possibility,” said Persaud. “Unfortunately, as of right now it will only be available in English, for myriad good and valid reasons.”

For those who have recipes to share, the library is accepting  submissions several ways — in person during regular library hours, or by email to necommunitycookbook@gmail.com.

Staff members said they hope to have copies of this completed cookbook available by the end of the year.

In the meantime, be sure to check the selection of cookbooks available for checkout, offering downhome flavors or cuisine from around the world.