Fans of Worthington Libraries were back in the stacks again for the Friends’ 2022 Books & Brews fundraising event on November 4 at Old Worthington Library. The combination of delicious appetizers, an array of beers from some of the area’s best breweries, wine, live music and a silent auction made for a fun evening and a successful event.
“We weren’t quite sure what the response would be to this year’s event after a two-year hiatus, but you have shown us that there are still many people who enjoy tasting libations in the library’s stacks and celebrating our libraries,” Friends President John Butterfield told the crowd. “What a wonderful way to bring our community together.”
Event Chairperson Susan Emerson reports that the event was a success, exceeding the sponsorship, donation, silent auction and overall fundraising goals. Approximately $9,600 was raised. The funds will support the Friends’ annual Library Grant, which is used for literacy and learning enrichment programs, community outreach activities, and staff recognition and development. Since its inauguration in 2015, the event has raised nearly $45,000.
Well-known local pianist and composer Tony Hagood performed throughout the evening, providing a great atmosphere with the perfect balance of pop and jazz music.
Seventh Son voted Favorite Brewery of the evening.
The focus of this year’s event was on local standout breweries – North High Brewing, Random Precision Brewing, Saucy Brew Works, Seventh Son Brewing Co., Wolf’s Ridge Brewing and Zaftig Brewing – and they didn’t disappoint. Representatives offered samples of their unique beers while sharing their insights and knowledge. By a vote of participants, Seventh Son Brewing was named the favorite brewery of the night.
Attracting lots of interest during the event were 26 silent auction items, including gift cards to area restaurants and businesses, gift packages, art work, a miniature Reading with Friends sculpture, camping gear and a COSI family membership. Donating items were: 101 Beer Kitchen, Ace Hardware, Aladdin’s Eatery, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Buckeye Corner, Chipotle Mexican, Grill City Barbecue, COSI, Graeter’s Ice Cream, Grubhub, Hollywood Feed, House Wine, Learning Express Toys & Gifts, Mrs. Goodman’s Baking Co., Old Bag of Nails, OSU Marching Band, Peace, Love & Little Donuts, Penn & Beech Candle Co., Pizazz Gift Shop, Porch Growler, Starbucks, Tomatillos Authentic Mexican, Trader Joe’s, Uber Eats, Vintage Red Creations, Worthington Libraries and Worthington Tavern.
In recognition of the Friends Foundation’s 50th anniversary, the trivia contest, an event tradition, dealt with news events, sports, entertainment and books from 1972. The winner was Joe Coleman, who answered nine of the 10 questions correctly.
Many individuals and organizations helped to make the event a success, including sponsors, silent auction donors, volunteers and board members.
Gold sponsors were: FC Bank and Fire System Professionals; silver sponsors, Aardvark Wine and Beer, Library Design Associates and the Pauline Family; bronze sponsors, Meeder Investment Management and Jennifer Best, CPA.
Friends board members, along with their family members, other Friends members and library staff volunteered throughout the night to make sure everything ran smoothly. Thanks to: Gari Aber, Monica Baughman, Bob and Sam Beasley, Amanda and Connor Brennan, John and Mary Butterfield, Perry Clark, Wade Duym, Susan Emerson, Lisa Fuller, Michelle Geissbuhler, Gretchen and Jamie McKee, Hillary Kline, Aaron Neumann, Eric O’Neil, Eddie and Lindsey Pauline, Carmen and Darnell Perkins, Doug and Rose Rossiter, Doug and Michelle Sarff, Erika Tserev and Jim Vitak.
Joining Susan Emerson on the event committee were: Gari Aber, John Butterfield, Perry Clark, Wade Duym and Eddie Pauline.
Ten attendees became Friends members to support the event and received a commemorative beer glass as a bonus.