Above: The Library is encouraging participation in the creation of a cookbook that the community can borrow. (image of cropped flyer)
Do you have any family recipes that you are willing to share with the community? The Southborough Library is hoping you do.
The Library is seeking to put together a Community Cookbook. They have issued a “Call for Recipes”:
The Southborough Library is creating a community cookbook — and needs YOUR recipes. Recipes will be compiled into a cookbook that library patrons will be able to check out!
Please send your recipe in either an email or as a word doc to msorensen@southboroughma.com or drop it off on the bench in the front reading room by August 31st. Photographs of the dish are optional.
I think it’s safe to say that the recipes shouldn’t be ones that you know you don’t have rights to. If it’s a recipe from a family member or friend, you may want to ask their permission and credit them. And resharing your favorite recipe from a cookbook should be a no-no. But, if you have made enough alterations and use your own wording it becomes your own.
I found an article on Taste of Home that highlights:
According to the U.S. Copyright Office, a “description, explanation, or illustration” that accompanies a recipe is protected by law. This means you cannot simply copy and paste the recipe instructions and use them as your own. You can, however, use a pre-existing recipe for inspiration. You just need to make a few changes that are of your own imagination. Love a recipe enough to expand on it? I recommend looking at tweaking one of these areas before you can call it your own.
Pro tip: Always make sure you write the recipe directions in your own words along with your other changes.
I’ve also read multiple online sources that point to a three changes as the rule of thumb (that can be ingredients and/or techniques). Even then, you may want to give credit by referring to the original recipe it was adapted from or inspired by.
The Library’s Community Cookbook initiative is part of their ongoing series of food and nutrition related programs made possible by a grant from the Library Services & Technology Act distributed by the Masssachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
