On a warm spring evening in 2006, Nancy Nitzberg was out for a leisurely walk when she noticed that the Gratz College Tuttleman Library was still open. A bibliophile and professional book conservator, Nitzberg couldn't resist the temptation to stop in. Thrilled with its extensive collection, she began visiting the library for her own research, and even worked there for a two-year stint. Now, years later, Nitzberg is back at Gratz - this time as interim librarian, bringing new energy to the library and extending its reach into some unexpected places. Read more.

If you're looking for a compelling read, then become part of One Book One, Jewish Community (OBOJC) as it kicks off its seventh year in Philadelphia this Sunday, January 26th, with a visit by award-winning author Michael Lavigne. This year's book selection is Lavigne'sThe Wanting, which seamlessly weaves topics as diverse as Jewish life in the Soviet Union and radicalization in the Middle East into a gripping story. For a review of The Wanting by Jodi Benjamin, writer for The Gratz College Insider, and for information about Sunday's author event, read more.

The Gratz Gourmet

This month, our featured recipe comes from the kitchen of Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer, a Gratz adjunct instructor and the author of an award-winning cookbook. Kaplan-Mayer's culinary experience spans generations, from preparing traditional family recipes with her grandmother to using cooking as a learning tool for children of all ages and abilities. Most importantly, cooking has been instrumental to Kaplan-Mayer's son, George, in facing the challenges of autism. In fact, it was through cooking with George that Kaplan-Mayer created the healthy and delicious recipes in her cookbook, like the mouth-watering one featured here for almond butter muffins.