In fall 2018, the Toledo Lucas County Public Library tried something new: We hosted a book group in a brewery, launching Books on Tap for brewheads and book lovers throughout the 419. Since then, more groups that meet outside of the Library and combine social cheer with books have sprung up:

• The original Books on Tap at Earnest Brew Works in South Toledo
• Two more Books on Tap locations at Inside the Five in Sylvania and as of 2020, Manhattan’s Pub ‘n Cheer on Adams Street.
• Wine book groups meeting at the Bottle Shop at Mancy’s Italian and The Taste Wine Bar.
• Margaritas and Mysteries at El Camino Real Sky in Oregon.

These groups provide a unique opportunity for adult lit lovers to get out for an evening and chat with fellow bookworms in a casual setting. After hosting Books on Tap for nearly a year and a half, here’s what I’ve learned:

Books and beer go together

“Talk books, socialize and relax with a cold one.” That’s the Books on Tap motto, and whether your drink of choice is a smooth lager or a hoppy IPA, the selection of beers available at each Books on Tap location only rivals the depth of the books we read.

There’s somebody new at every meeting

Every month, somebody new comes to Books on Tap. Sometimes we never see them again. Sometimes they skip a few months and come back. Sometimes they visit all the Books on Tap groups, picking and choosing depending on what each group is reading. Sometimes they become regulars. The important thing is, Books on Tap is literally a place where everybody knows your name.

You’re always welcome at Books on Tap, no matter who you are (as long as you’re 21+, of course). Just come with an open mind. You don’t even have to talk! Some Books on Tap patrons simply sit back and listen to the conversation. And while it’s recommended you read the book, we’ll let you slide if you haven’t.

Sometimes you just don’t want to go to the Library, and that’s OK

The story I hear most from Books on Tap patrons is they always wanted to join a book group, but could not find one that fit them. Meeting in a library might feel intimidating, or maybe you just don’t have time to get to a book group that meets on a Wednesday morning. Books on Tap and the other groups listed above all meet in the evening and at places you might otherwise already want to visit.

This is a great opportunity to get out of the house

Almost everyone coming to Books on Tap is doing so because they love books and beer. But another reason creeps up too – the need to get out of the house. We’re all busy adults. Between work, kids and paying the bills, there’s not a lot of time for reading, let alone outside human contact. Books on Tap is the chance to meet adults! Who like reading! And who want to talk to you! I love hosting Books on Tap not only because I am a librarian who likes making the library fun, but because of the friendships I get to see develop at Books on Tap meetings.

I hope to see you at a Books on Tap meeting soon!