Books and Brews

Books & Brews is the Friends’ major fall fund-raising event. Inaugurated in 2015, the event has raised more than $44,000 to support library programs and staff. The event features popular craft beers from Ohio breweries, wine, food and music. And it’s unique – where else can you go to have libations and fun in your local library? Funds are raised through ticket sales, sponsorships from area businesses and silent auction package proceeds.

Books & Brews 2023

Six outstanding area breweries will be featured at the sixth presentation of Books & Brews on Friday, November 10, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Old Worthington Library.

The event also features catered appetizers from Bosc & Brie, music by pianist Tony Hagood, great silent auction packages and a trivia contest. Brewery representatives will be on hand to share their insights and recommendations as they offer samples of an array of beer styles.

Tickets are $50 for Friends members and $60 for non-members. Admission includes eight tastings of high-quality craft beer. Wine will also be available. All attendees must be 21 years of age to attend.

Sponsors so far are: Library Design Associates, Bill and Jennifer Best, CPA, The Basement Doctor, Bircker Graydon LLP, High Road Gallery, and Eddie and Lindsey Pauline.

This year’s focus is on central Ohio breweries. Those confirmed so far are:

Nocterra Brewing Company, based in Powell, Ohio, has two guiding values: great beer and outside activity. Nocterra provides a wide range of beers from hoppy to malty, from light to dark, or maybe even a sour twist, and they are equally stoked about all of them. They were founded by a group that passionately values outdoor sports and adventures. They summarize their vision as Beer + Outside = Nocterra..

North High Brewing was founded in 2011 in central Ohio with the goal of bringing a unique experience to craft beer lovers, allowing enthusiasts to have the hands-on experience of making their own batches of beer. North High Brewing has grown to become one of the state’s largest and most award-winning craft breweries. Over two dozen beers can be sampled at its original brewery in the Short North Arts District and their taproom in Dublin.

Random Precision Brewing Companybased in Worthington, focuses their craft on American sour ales, aged in wine and various spirit barrels for a minimum of 10 months.  But if you stop into their bright and open taproom, you’ll find IPAs, porters, Belgians, and maybe even a lager on tap.  Ninety-four percent of their beers are created with a wild yeast, bacteria, or some combination of both.  Break the routine with their approachable sours.

Saucy Brew Workswith roots in Cleveland, has been serving Columbus from the Harrison West neighborhood since 2020. Since opening its doors it has applied both mind and heart to the brewing process, using the finest ingredients and employing state of the art techniques. The result is a selection of enjoyable, elegant and authentic craft beers that are kept fresh and unique by continually trying fresh approaches.

Seventh Son Brewing Company has been producing exceptional beers in Columbus’ historic Italian Village since April 2013. Over the years Seventh Son has brewed more than 225 different beers and has been consistently voted Columbus’ best brewery by 614 Magazine, Columbus Alive and Columbus Underground readers.

Wolf’s Ridge Brewing has a deep reverence for the craft of brewing and believes that attention to detail coupled with quality ingredients can transform a simple beer into something truly special. The family-owned and operated brewery is continuously searching for unique flavor profiles, unusual combinations and novel twists on classic styles. Selections include core, seasonal, hoppy, malty, sour and barrel-release beers.

Zaftig Brewing Company, located in Worthington, has been striving to create well-balanced, full-bodied ales since its inception in 2013. Big Beers is what Zaftig does. With careful attention to detail, high-quality ingredients and an artistic approach to beer-making, Zaftig provides a well-rounded and cleverly-crafted drinking experience, full of complex flavors and textures.

Tony Hagood is a versatile and experienced pianist and one of the best jazz musicians in Columbus. He has a big fan base in Worthington from his concert series at the McConnel Arts Center and also at the Columbus Museum of Art. In addition to playing solo, Tony leads various versions of his trio and duo, teaches piano and jazz piano at Otterbein College and runs his music lessons company.

Advance registration is strongly encouraged, as tickets will be available at the door only if the event doesn’t sell out, which it often has in previous years.

Event proceeds, along with income from membership contributions and donations, support the annual Library Grant Fund, which provides financial assistance for ongoing programs and enrichment activities of the library and recognition and development programs for library staff members.

books and brews glass

making a toast

TOP FIVE REASONS TO ATTEND BOOKS & BREWS

  • Great place for brew appreciation.
  • Cool to drink beer in a library.
  • Fun way to show your support for Worthington Libraries.
  • Celebrate the Friends’ 50th anniversary.
  • Meet others who value libraries and enjoy beer and wine.

Become a friends member

There are many reasons to join the Friends Foundation, and one of them is that members receive a discount on the purchase of tickets for Books & Brews. And those who become a member to attend the 2022 event will receive a commemorative beer glass. So, join today and gain admission at a reduced price. Then quaff popular craft beer from Ohio breweries in your special Books & Brews glass. Cheers!

JOIN NOW