May I recommend?

I read an excellent article/blog from the New York Times Business Day Personal Tech section about gadgets that we should or should not keep based on the current technology. If you are wondering whether you should get a new digital camera or desktop computer or even a USB drive, take a look at this article, Gadgets you should get rid of (or not) by Sam Grobart from March 23rd. He has some interesting recommendations on what is necessary (or not) and why in the field of current technology gadgets that may surprise you. I don't necessarily agree with his recommendations but do agree that they are food for thought.

His final recommendation I do agree with only slight reservations. Books- recommendation is to keep them with one exception, cookbooks. I prefer, personally, to read books in printed format for all the reasons he gives in his recommendation. I do believe that e-Books are a convenient way to transport titles when traveling or where space is an issue but I do not own an eReader and have no plans to purchase one.

However, I am a cookbook reader just because I find them interesting and inspiring (just bought Greg Patents' latest and can hardly wait to dig in). I love to collect old cookbooks, just because they are fun to have, and yes I use them to cook from, finding recipes and ideas that the new ones don't have. I use online websites and food blogs regularly so I do agree that for expediency's sake online for recipes is good but don't know that I'm convinced about cookbooks - hooray for 641.5 and it's extensions.

And remember, as Grobart points out, "You can even borrow them for free at sites called libraries."

April is about more than just poetry

By now we all know that April is National Poetry Month. Being a library it's only fitting that we spend a lot of time talking about it. But another non-fiction section rivals poetry this month. The 641s may well be our largest collection, and I'm sure my fellow librarians will call me to task if I'm way off base. I don't think I am. That leads me to April's other designation: National Grilled Cheese Month!

(Original photo by Flickr user faeryboots. Some Rights Reserved.)

Who knows how it got started? If I had to make up an explanation I would say that because "April is the cruelest month," someone decided we could all use some comfort food to get us through. And notice how I brought this post full circle by mentioning a poem. Clever, right?

If you don't have your grilled cheese recipe perfected yet, the library has you covered. Here are some resources for you to get started:

In the Library

Great grilled cheese : 50 innovative recipes for stovetop, grill, and sandwich maker by Laura Werlin. 641.84 WERLIN

Nancy Silverton's book of sandwiches : the best sandwiches ever from Thursday nights at Campanile by Nancy Silverton. 641.84 SILVERT

The Tillamook cheese cookbook : celebrating 100 years of excellence by Kathy Holstad. 641.373 HOLSTAD

On the Web

The Basic, with suggestions for additions, from Epicurious

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Competition

Maybe more about Grilled Cheese than you'll ever need from Squidoo

Now it's up to you, get out there and grill some comforting sandwiches. I know I've worked up my appetite. And if you live here in Missoula, today would be a perfect day to try out the recipe of your choice since it is so rainy and dreary out.

Molly's One Minute Book Review

Reference Librarian Molly reviews the James Beard award winning book "Fat" by Jennifer Mclagen in this installment of our One Minute Book Reviews.