Organizing and storing your cookbooks

[tea4one]

I am sure that this has been discussed in the past but a search didn't help me. How do you store and organize all of your cookbooks? I have so many and they are all over the place because I can't find the bookshelves I want. I would like something that is enclosed possibly sliding glass doors on them (anyone know where I can find one that is sturdy and fairly good/high quality?)
Storing them isn't my only issue, I also can't decide how to organize them if I ever do get the bookshelves. By Author, cuisine, type of cookbook (crockpot, pressure cooker, canning, etc.)...it's really overwhelming and I don't know why I can't make a decision about this.

[cookieee]

Hi, I just now read this, after having started the Sunday Game of the Week#1. For what is worth, I organize most of my cookbooks by author. Those are the ones that have a series of books, TV shows, classics like Beard, Escoffier, etc. Then I have Nationality cookbooks alph. by country. The US by state. I have a lot from the southwest, they are by author. I also have a catagory for summer and outdoor grilling by author. I would suggest that you group them by your favorite catagories. Hope this helps. When you get organized check out my game. Good luck, Joan

[tea4one]

Thank you. I have yet to find bookshelves that are sturdy and will last longer than a couple of years without falling apart.

[Cookin4Love]

I have a very large (5' x 8') bookcase divided down the middle for extra support. I bought mine at a store that sells only wood products. It is HEAVY. So far, it's been holding up for 7 years with no wavering or sagging. Wish I could say the same for my (.) (.) ;)

I organize my cookbooks into categories. I have all of my CL annuals together. I have all my low-carb cookbooks together. Other categories: celebrity chefs, baking, vegetarian, general-purpose (Joy, How to Cook Everything, The Best Recipe), baking, community-type cookbooks (including the Best American Recipe series), side-dish/vegetable cookbooks, grilling. In some cases, I may have two categories on a half-shelf, one on one side, and one on the other. I'm not in the same room as my cookbooks, so I'm not sure if that's all there are, but it's the best arrangement I've found so far--at least for me. It might not make any sense to someone else, though.

[mbrogier]

I have a built in oak hutch in my living room that I use for cookbook storage. I arrange my cookbooks by type: Author Nigella, Barefoot Contessa, Gourmet, Williams-Sonoma Cuisine Provence, Italian, Thai Course Brunch, Dessert, Meat, Soups, Preserves and Pickles I also have a few Junior League cookbooks.

[blazedog]

You probably don't want to hear this but the reason it is overwhelming you is that you own too many cookbooks -- no matter how you organize them, they will still not be functional :p

[Cookin4Love]

You probably don't want to hear this but the reason it is overwhelming you is that you own too many cookbooks -- no matter how you organize them, they will still not be functional :p

Hmm...did anyone hear someone talking? I almost thought I heard a voice in the background (the voice of reason, perhaps?). But then, the voice said something so preposterous that I know I must have been wrong!

Just kidding, Blazedog. You know we love you. ;) :D ;)

[tea4one]

You probably don't want to hear this but the reason it is overwhelming you is that you own too many cookbooks -- no matter how you organize them, they will still not be functional :p
You're right, I don't want to hear that! :D

[Peweh]

What about an unfinished furniture/wood mill store? We have a chain called The Mill Stores here in MA and they sell all different sizes and are very sturdy. I think you can also custom order. You can take it home and stain or paint yourself, or have it done by the store. Come to think of it, though, I don't remember seeing any with doors.

I keep my cookbooks on a shelf in my pantry but there are only a couple dozen (I know, I'm an amateur!!! :D )

[mrswaz]

Sounds like you need to do some shopping! Keep an eye out for estate sales- I've had great luck finding relatively inexpensive furniture at estate sales, simply because it must go.

As for organization, I do mine by category- vegetarian, CL, dessert, etc. first. Then I divide by authar, and finally, I have two bookshelves of books, and I put the most frequently used ones on the shelves closest to my workspace. I've been thinking about reworking my system, but can't seem to come up with anything different that I like. I'll likely be watching this thread fro new ideas.

[MISSINDI]

I organize mine mostly by type/cuisine (i.e., Indian, tapas, fondue, etc.) and authors that I have more than one of, I group them together (i.e., all Nigella's are together, all Jamie Oliver's, etc.).

As far as the shelves, I have 3 big, sturdy bookshelves now, but the backs have come off (you can't see it, but still...). When we do the addition, I'm going to get built-ins. Haven't found a sturdy enough bookcase yet...