In the 1980s the [[Camden Public Library]] in London was running low on adequate space to hold their collection of books on food and drink. Their cookery books were advertised and as a result were rehomed in the Brotherton Library. The books spanned 1900–1975 and filled a period that was until then lacking in the Library’s Cookery Collection.<ref name="The English Cookery Book"/><ref name="Monday Library Chat"/>
The Cookery Collection was recognised as an outstanding collection and accredited Designation status in 2005. Since then, the collection has continued to grow with more donations.
