WHY One of most extensive cookery collections in the entire country is right in our backyard, and it’s free.

WHAT More than 18,000 cookbooks, from 14th-century manuscripts, the first Spanish-language cookbook, and 1,000 California cookbooks to Nathan Myhrvold’sModernist Cuisine. Plus a vintage menu collection, advertising ephemera, periodicals and photos.

WHO Serious scholars to the average food-curious Joe.